By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The Oro Valley Police Department has launched a new system called Community Connect, powered by Versaterm, that sends text message updates to residents about the status of their calls and cases.
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When a resident contacts OVPD, the department logs the caller’s phone number. From that point, the system sends text updates whenever there is a development in the case.
A link in each message directs the recipient to an official OVPD document containing their case information.
How the system works
Community Connect can also notify callers when an officer is en route or delayed due to another emergency.
OVPD Public Information Officer Darren Wright said the system will not request personal information from residents.
“In this program, we will not ask for any information. We will not ask for your social security number, we will not ask for your date of birth, we will not ask for any personal identification number,” Wright said. “This program is simply about communicating your status of your case to you. We’re not going to gather information, we’re not going to collect any data or information, we just want to keep them informed about what’s going on.”
Ratings and resident feedback
Once a case is closed, residents are asked to complete a survey. OVPD officers have received a rating of 4.85 out of 5, and dispatch has received a rating of 4.78 out of 5 from residents who have already used the system.
OVPD said the survey results are used to continue improving service.
“The biggest thing we’re hoping to do is just keep people informed,” Wright said.
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What to do if you receive an unexpected message
Residents who receive a Community Connect message but have not been in contact with OVPD are advised to call the department’s non-emergency line.
Wright said not to contact the number on the text message if something seems off.
“If they ask for any kind of money, if they ask for gift cards, that’s always the big red flag,” Wright said.
OVPD said the system will never ask recipients to send money or provide personal information.
Anyone who receives a message making such a request is advised not to click any links and to call the police immediately.
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