Police launch new analysis tool online | Crime

The Columbia Police Department has launched a new technological tool designed to inform citizens about crime activity in their communities and improve public safety.

RAIDS stands for Regional Analysis and Data Information Sharing, and is a computer-based crime mapping program that allows citizens to analyze crime data.

This new tool alerts Columbia citizens about crimes and allows the police to alert the public about crimes in a timely fashion.

Citizens can view reported crimes in their area, sign up for neighborhood watch reports, and partner with CPD to help reduce crime.

Here’s how RAIDS Online works:

• Log on to www.raidsonline.com
• On the main page, either click on the South Carolina map and find ‘Columbia’ OR search for Columbia, S.C in the ‘search address’ section
• A map and grid of Columbia will appear outlining various crimes across the city

Citizens can also search different addresses and ‘crime types,’ including armed robbery, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft and auto breaking.

RAIDS Online then displays all of the incidents on a map, grid and analytical sections along with some basic information about the incidents, including the type of crime, location type, block-level address, date and time.

Victim information is protected under the program.

The information on RAIDS Online comes from crimes that are reported to the Columbia Police Department.

Once an incident report is approved and entered into the system RAIDS Online

automatically syncs with CPD’s records system to keep crime information as updated as possible. 

Chief Scott says, “RAIDS is an extra advantage for residents. The Columbia Police Department has always been proactive with our communities. We want them to know about criminal activity where they live, work and raise a family. We strive daily to be a transparent Department. The more informed residents are then the more willing they will be to help reduce crime with us.”

 Additionally, citizens can submit an anonymous crime tip directly to the Columbia Police Department.

 CPD has set up an email account for anonymous tips – raidsonline@columbiasc.net