The Murfreesboro Police Department has launched an online service that provides the public the ability to analyze interactive maps of recent crime activity in their neighborhoods to further strengthen community oriented policing efforts.

“By sharing this information with our residents, we are taking a proactive approach towards greater transparency and empowering our community,” Chief of Police Glenn Chrisman said. “Any resident with access to the internet can map out and analyze recent criminal activity reported in their neighborhood.”

Users have numerous options such as showing clusters of criminal activity, determining distance from their address to the location of any crime, or using the terrain view, which outlines topography.

Crime Alerts are one of the most popular features at CrimeMapping.com.

Citizens can register online to receive free e-mail updates whenever new crime activity occurs in a specified area.

A person can register multiple times in order to learn about criminal activity near their residence, business, workplace or even their child’s school.

Citizens and community groups will have instant access to important and timely crime information affecting their neighborhoods empowering them to proactively partner with officers to address problem areas.

“The Murfreesboro Police Department encourages residents to take ownership over what is going on in their neighborhoods,” Chrisman said. “A well informed community has always been a key element in the fight against crime and this program will serve as a powerful communication channel between MPD and residents.”

The site maintains current information with new data uploaded into the system every 24 hours.

CrimeMapping.com is a nationwide public mapping service and is available in Murfreesboro, Nashville, Columbia and Ashland City.

Murfreesboro residents are encouraged to visit online at www.murfreesborotn.gov or www.crimemapping.com.