Instead of dialing 911 or taking an officer off the street to report a minor crime, residents can now file police reports online.
By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Staff Writer
PLAINSBORO — Instead of dialing 911 or taking an officer off the street to report a minor crime, residents can now file police reports online.
Residents can file reports at www.plainsboronj.com/content/citizens-online-police-reporting-system.html.
After completing a report, residents can print out a temporary copy. At a minimum, all reports will be reviewed and a return email will be generated. An officer may contact a resident for additional information or for clarification of the report if necessary, according to the Police Department.
Not every crime can be reported using the web-based system. Residents cannot file a police report online if the incident is an emergency, is a crime in progress or if it requires immediate police involvement, according to the department.
The only types of incidents that can be reported are missing and lost property, damaged property, theft, identity theft, criminal mischief, vandalism and traffic complaints such as reoccurring speeding violations in a neighborhood or residential area, according to the department.
Those who are unsure or unable to decide if the incident meets the criteria for online citizen police report filing, can call the police department at 609-799-2333 for assistance.
All online reports will be reviewed Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Any reports filed after business hours or over the weekend will be reviewed on the following business day. All incidents requiring immediate police involvement must be reported by calling the department or by calling 911 for emergencies, according to the department.
The Plainsboro Police Department will continue to offer the traditional approach of filing reports directly with a police officer.