Internet crime prevention tool unveiled

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

MANKATO--An Internet-based crime prevention tool now being used by 70 police departments, including New Ulm, in three states was introduced to the public here Friday.

It's CitizenObserver.com, Inc., and it's providing tools for crime prevention in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin through the posting of alerts and other information on the firm's website.

"By going to our website and clicking on communities, you can go to New Ulm and read the alerts that have been posted by the police department," Terry Halsch, president of the St. Paul-based company, explained.

A popular part of the program, Halsch said, is the Business Alert Network which now has over 10,000 businesses in the three-state area enrolled.

"We're getting giant kudos from businesses on that one," Halsch said.

The crime alert system is an important feature for businesses, Corp. Dean Barstad of the New Ulm Police Department said.

"For example, I can enter details of a theft from a store on the website, and that can then be picked up by businesses by email, fax, digital pagers or cell phones," Barstad explained. "Then, they are immediately aware of what has happened and what to watch for."

A number of other things can be posted, as well.

"In addition to the crime alert system," Barstad explained, "we can go online to give snow removal information, bike safety class schedules, crime prevention tips, such as how to safe-guard your home from burglers."

While the program was launched in the three states in August, 2001, the New Ulm Police Department is just starting to utilize the CitizenObserver tool set.

"We're really just getting started in using it now," Barstad said, "although we did some testing of it in December."

Barstad said the department is working with the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, using its mailing list, in contacting area businesses.

Any firms wanting to sign on, or are seeking more information, can contact Barstad at the department by calling 233-6750.