BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The Battle Creek Police Department will kick off its new messaging system, SPIDR Tech, Thursday, Sept. 8.
SPIDR Tech will allow customized text message, or email, communication to be sent automatically to 911 callers. The system works with the 911/Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority call system to send updates back to callers about the response to their calls.
Police will use SPIDR Tech messages for crimes like theft and robbery, some types of assault, and fraud crimes. They will not use it for more personal and sensitive crimes, when more personal communication is important.
Text messages sent by SPIDR Tech will come from the phone number: 269-775-4887. This is a texting ONLY number, so please remember to call 911 for emergencies and 269-781-0911 for BCPD’s non-emergency line.
BCPD’s goals with this new system include greater transparency for the department in responding to 911 calls, gathering feedback on the quality of services provided to the community, and to ensure updates are provided to victims throughout the investigation and related processes.
SPIDR Tech will help to achieve BCPD’s goals through its three modules that serve to improve communication and service.
The patrol module will allow for a more immediate response to 911 callers. Once a 911 call is initiated and captured in BCPD’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, SPIDR Tech will automatically send a text message to the caller to acknowledge receipt of the call, as well as provide any additional resources or information. Likewise, if other emergencies leave police unable to quickly respond right away, the system can send updates about the delay, assuring the caller that their call is still in progress.
Once a call has been cleared by police, SPIDR Tech can use the insights module to send a follow-up text message asking for feedback about the police experience, using a brief survey. The text will include a link to the survey, and BCPD appreciates every response! Police will use the survey results to learn about the frequency of different types of calls, the overall experience with responding officers, and more.
The investigations module allows SPIDR Tech to send updates to crime victims as their case progresses. An initial message will assure that victims understand the next steps in the process and additional messages will ensure that they’re immediately notified of updates, including detective assignments and the arrest of offenders.
Thursday’s launch culminates a three-month process to bring SPIDR Tech to BCPD that began in June 2022.
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