The police department unveiled its new website on July 7. Cecil Lawson, the San Jose Police Department chief information officer who developed the website, said, "We wanted to accommodate customers who live in the heart of Silicon Valley. A lot of our customers are used to high tech, and we thought we could up-level."

The upgraded site gives the general public access to what Lawson said is "almost the same amount of information the police department has." With just a click of the mouse, the website's visitors can find information about everything from local crime data to Homeland Security levels, missing persons to traffic updates.

For instance, the My City section details demographics and crime statistics spanning the last 15 years, allowing people to compare the crime situation over time.

In addition to a general overview of police activity in the city, the website also provides regional information in the My Neighborhood section. By clicking on the division in which they reside, citizens can view the San Jose police captains who are assigned to their areas and obtain the necessary contact information. Citizens can also read about top policing priorities, stay informed about neighborhood events and sign up to receive neighborhood alerts through email.

Although the information available in the My Neighborhood section is only related to the five districts of San Jose, Lawson said it has the potential to assist prospective neighbors as well.

He added, "Those interested in moving into the area, for instance, can look at specific areas and see what the crime is like."

North Willow Glen Neighborhood Association President Tom Smith said that the My Neighborhood section provides the most regionally specific information he has seen. He said, "It aligns with what we've been told at North Willow Glen Neighborhood Association meetings. For instance, San Jose Police Department Lt. Ted Vasquez has come to our meetings, and the crime-prevention priorities listed align with what he has told us."

North Willow Glen Neighborhood Association member Ken Ecklund, however, does raises the concern that the localized information might not be specific enough. "It shows information that pertains to the general neighborhood, but not the specific neighborhood," he said. "People might find out that there have been some disturbances going on and wonder, 'Is that right in my neighborhood?'"

If residents should happen to notice a disturbance occurring in their neighborhood, the new online reporting system provides a way for them to report the incident to the department without ever leaving home. According to Lawson, the system is one of the website's most sophisticated and groundbreaking features.

He said, "We're the first in the U.S., and maybe even the world, to have an online reporting system. For instance, if you go out and see someone breaking into your car, you can just fill out a printable report and give it to your insurance company, and the department will have a record of the report. It makes it extremely convenient for citizens to not have to come to the police station and make a report."

And he added, "We're also saving ourselves quite a bit of money with online reports and not having to send an officer and use resources." Lawson estimates that the department has received six to seven thousand online reports.

However, Ecklund indicates that the advanced technology required to support features like the online reporting system might put some users at a disadvantage. Ecklund said, "The service is only available to people who have newer browsers. It's not going to work for a lot of people."

But Smith said he plans to use the new online system in the future and thinks the reporting system will help people who are confused about when to call 311 or 911.

"It helps to have the forms there so you can see the information required of you," he said.