THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 24, 1995 TAG: 9503240474
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: JON FRANK, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: HAMPTON LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
In the first such partnership of its kind in southeastern Virginia, Hampton police are hooking up the city's businesses to a fax network that will deliver crime warnings and information.
The system allows police, with the press of a single button, to send to participating businesses bulletins about robbery suspects, shoplifters or runaways. The network will also carry crime-prevention tips.
About 100 merchants and other businesses are participating, including all of Coliseum Mall and New Market Fair, the city's two largest retail centers.
That is just the beginning, said Hampton Police Chief Pat Minetti. The fax network has room for more than 1,000 numbers.
``Whatever business feels they have a need can jump on board,'' Minetti said Wednesday during a news conference.
The only requirements for participating businesses are a local telephone number and a dedicated fax line, Minetti said.
Minetti said the network already has shown its worth. A recent robbery at a jewelry store prompted police to notify other jewelers that the robbery had occurred and warned merchants to be on the lookout.
That example, Minetti said, illustrates one of the beauties of the fax system.
Groups of merchants can be separated from the general list of businesses when a target audience is desired.
The groups can be designated according to geographic location, type of business or size of business. A couple of clicks of the computer mouse and police can contact the businesses they choose, Minetti said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Hampton Police Chief Pat Minetti says the fax network already has
shown its worth.
KEYWORDS: HAMPTON POLICE DEPARTMENT by CNB