Report suspicious activity anonymously

LIHU‘E — Kauaians hoping to keep their neighborhoods crime-free can help do so through new features added to the Kaua‘i Police Department’s website.

Developed by Sgt. Paul Applegate, who became community relations sergeant in September, the site provides an online form where concerned citizens can anonymously report suspicious activity.

“One of the repeated concerns we’ve heard was that people wanted to be able to report suspicious activity without fear of repercussions,” Applegate said in a press release. “KPD’s online form to report suspicious activity is completely untraceable.”

According to the site, www.kauai.gov/police, reported information will be forwarded to the appropriate unit to help with investigations or deter criminal activity.

That being said, people should not use the site for emergencies or making official police reports. Instead, call 911.

Through another virtual form, school, civic and business groups can ask officers to speak at public events, depending on manpower limitations. They can also request other services, such as assistance in starting Neighborhood Walk and Neighborhood Watch programs, providing tours of the Lihu‘e Police Station, appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog, and offering keiki identification kits.

Special requests for other topics or services can also be arranged. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and every effort will be made to accommodate each request.

“This is one part of a larger effort to foster better communication between the police department and the public,” Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry said in the press release.

Both forms are available at the site under the heading “Community Relations.”

For more information, contact Applegate at 241-1669 or papplegate@kauai.gov.