NEWS - Computers & Technology

By Lou Phelps

Nov. 28, 2011 – The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police have announced a new computer-based program that allows the public to submit tips on suspicious activity.  Called iWatch Savannah, the project is now available as a website to anyone “who may have seen suspicious activity but isn’t sure if it is bears reporting,” according to the department.

Tips can only be submitted on the Internet at iwatchsavannah.com. The website allows users to submit the report, explain why they feel the information or activity is important, and even download photos and/or videos from their computer if they are available.

The programming was done by QiSoft, of Savannah. The company has developed proprietary software packages for manufacturing quality applications and police intelligence uses.   Founder and CEO Kevin Luxton, originally from Britain, relocated the 27-year old company to Savannah about 10 years ago, with offices at 2 E. Bryan St.   David Johns is the company’s sales manager.

Additional improvements to iWatch are ahead. A component to allow downloads from cell phones is being developed, SCMPD states.

Visitors to the site are asked for contact information so police can request more information, if necessary. Information is not shared outside the department.

All submissions will be reviewed by the crime prevention officers in each of the five SCMPD precincts as well as by analysts in SARIC – the Savannah Area Regional Intelligence Center - the department’s intelligence division. SARIC will then assign the tips to appropriate officers.

iWatch allows the public to quickly and easily communicate concerns and suspicions for officers to check on a non-emergency basis.

The program was adapted from one initiated by the Los Angeles Police Department soliciting tips on homeland security issues; police there noticed that many tips referred to local issues. Local police hope it will enhance the general community policing efforts of SCMPD.

The Los Angeles program was noticed by Islands Precinct Crime Prevention Officer Robert Martier and his captain, Charles Hall who encouraged the department to adopt the program. Chief Willie Lovett agreed.

“We are responding to the ever-changing climate in security and policing with the iWatch Program,” Hall said. “This innovation enhances policing concepts like Neighborhood Watch and Crimestoppers. Once established, this will be a useful crime-fighting tool for police and the community.

“Some crimes have been solved or even prevented by tips from citizens who reported suspicious activity and allowed us to respond quickly. But some are hesitant to call, not sure if they saw criminal activity or not. This allows them to contact us without pressure.”

Police are quick to differentiate between iWatch and Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers is the well-established program that collects information on specific crimes anonymously and can pay as much as $2,500 for a tip that leads to an arrest. iWatch does not pay for information and is not anonymous. It is designed to report situations that seem out of place.

SARIC analysts adapted the program to fit Savannah’s needs. City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney authorized Chief Lovett to utilize seized funds to pay for program development.