The Dallas Police Department (DPD) discussed on Tuesday its new mandatory online reporting system for specific non-emergency offenses.
In an effort to streamline and enhance the reporting process, the Dallas Online Reporting System (DORS) will enable residents to report specific incidents conveniently from their computers or mobile devices.
The mandatory requirement to file non-emergency reports online begins July 3.
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia addressed the upcoming changes at the July 20 press conference attended by The Dallas Express, emphasizing the new system’s benefits to the community.
“Our goal with this mandatory reporting is to cut down our response times, free up more officers, and respond quicker to those who need our help in an emergency. We know it will help,” the police chief said.
Garcia highlighted the already-established DORS, a user-friendly platform that will be the primary channel for reporting non-emergency offenses such as theft, vandalism, and property damage.
The system aims to alleviate the burden on police resources while ensuring efficient and accurate documentation of incidents.
Shifting to an online reporting system for non-emergencies is hoped to help the department grapple with its critical shortage of officers. As was recently reported by The Dallas Express, DPD currently employs about 3,100 officers, a number Garcia said is “hundreds” shy of what the department needs.
To ensure a smooth transition, the department has been conducting public outreach and education campaigns to inform residents about the online reporting process.
DPD has held education classes at its headquarters to help educate the public about the system.
Garcia expressed confidence about the new system but emphasized that it will not replace emergency services, which residents should still summon by dialing 911.
“We want to remind everyone that in a medical emergency, always call 911. If you’re witnessing a crime in progress or the incident has a suspect, call 911, but for the non-emergencies I just listed, crimes that have already occurred, file a report with us file online,” Garcia said.
By leveraging online reporting, the department aims to embrace technological advancements to enhance efficiency and allocate resources effectively, as well as improve community engagement by strengthening collaboration between law enforcement and residents.
Residents of Dallas are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Dallas Online Reporting System and take advantage of its convenience in reporting non-emergency offenses.
A copy of the instructional video in English can be found here.