This Move Was Facilitated by the Smpd’s Recent Acquisition and Implementation of an Updated Computer-Aided Dispatch System
The Santa Monica Police Department has transitioned from the traditional Summary Reporting System (SRS) to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), following a recommendation approved in 2015 by the Criminal Justice Information Services Division Advisory Policy Board (APB), as announced in a blog post by Lieutenant Erika Aklufi.
This move was facilitated by the SMPD’s recent acquisition and implementation of an updated Computer-Aided Dispatch System (CAD) and a Records Management System (RMS). The adoption of NIBRS will allow the SMPD to collect more detailed crime data, providing a comprehensive overview of crime statistics within the city.
According to Aklufi, the new system provides greater specificity in reporting offenses, including all offenses within an incident, and considers more types of offenses. The system collects detailed information such as incident date and time, whether offenses were attempted or completed, expanded victim types, victim-offender relationships, demographic details, location data, property descriptions, drug types and quantities, suspected use of drugs or alcohol, involvement of gang activity, and use of computers in the commission of crimes.
“By implementing NIBRS data collection, the Santa Monica Police Department will gain increased insight into where crimes take place, what form it takes, and characteristics of victims and perpetrators.” the post stated.
“This information can be used to smartly deploy the resources we have and advocate for resources we need to address crime. This transition will also facilitate identifying common crime trends among similar jurisdictions, increasing opportunities for working with other agencies to develop proactive strategies for addressing issues. Additionally, the increased clarity in crime reporting that NIBRS offers will allow our community more access and information when voicing their needs, concerns, and expectations to city leaders.”
For at least one year, SMPD will run both the SRS and NIBRS methods side-by-side for comparison.
