Gainesville, Florida Police Post Crime Reports on Internet

· Story link

Police in Gainesville, Florida have taken an unusual step toward openness, posting incident and arrest reports on line as soon as they’re written and put into the system. Accident reports will be posted after 60 days, a delay imposed by a new state law. “Better informed citizens make for a better police department,” Police Chief Norman Botsford said in making the announcement. There’s also a “Daily Bulletin” section that highlights certain incidents. “We’re breaking new ground,” Botsford said. “I’m sure a lot of new issues will come up.” (11/23/04)