SHALIMAR, Fla., April 3, 2020—The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office is implementing web-based online and telephone reporting.

This is for low-level, non-violent crimes that have already occurred, i.e., those crimes not in progress at the time of the call. Examples range from misdemeanor criminal mischief and petty thefts to scams and lost property.

A series of questions will help determine if the crime fits an online report.

Those people not sure if online reporting is appropriate can speak to a communications officer at 850-651-7400 who can help determine if a web report is the way to go.

The communications officer can connect the caller to a deputy to take the report over the phone or send a deputy to respond in person.

The new system will generate an email confirmation with a tracking number that the report was received.

Automatic email updates will go out as online reports move through the system,

These steps are being taken to better protect citizens and deputies from non-essential face-to-face interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office news release