Yesterday, the Hawai‘i County Police Department launched Versaterm CommunityConnect, a new technology program designed to keep residents, businesses, and visitors informed about both emergency and non-emergency police responses.

When a community member contacts police dispatch to request assistance via a cell phone, CommunityConnect will send an automated text to acknowledge receipt of the call. In cases where there is a delay in officer response, callers may receive an additional text informing them of the delay. If a caller contacts police dispatch from a landline, the responding officer will provide them with a link to a victim portal, www.engage.hawaiipolice.gov, where they can register to receive updates on their case.

To ensure public safety, real-time updates will not be sent for in-progress incidents or situations where messaging could pose a risk to those involved.

In some cases, CommunityConnect will also send follow-up messages regarding the outcome of a case, such as whether an arrest was made or if the case was otherwise closed.

If the caller does not speak English, the automated messages can also be sent in Spanish and Tagalog.

For more information, visit, www.hawaiipolice.gov, or contact Major Sandor Finkey at (808) 961-2265.