IOWA (KWWL) -- A new online database called "I-CRIME" has been launched by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, which will help track crime data across the state.
The database will update Iowa's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system, which centralizes crime data from Iowa law enforcement agencies. Agencies will be able to submit incident-based crime data to the database, which will help the UCR program and the FBI identify crime trends.
According to Iowa DPS, I-CRIME is replacing the previous database that had been used since 2000.
The public will also be able to access published crime data through the Crime In Iowa portal on the site. Users will be able to customize queries and export data.
The manager of the UCR program, Tracy Loynachan, says that it is the law enforcement agencies that make I-CRIME possible, but that the program will be useful to more than just law enforcement.
“I-CRIME is a significant advancement for our program, and will benefit the law enforcement community, the general public, media, researchers, student stakeholders,” Loynachan said. “While I-CRIME will allow the Iowa UCR program to collect and publish better quality data, the contributions of law enforcement agencies make the program a success, and we are grateful for our continued partnership with agencies across the state.”
