Police cast Web at criminals

By CHERY SABOL

Kalispell police launch e-mail service to warn about area crime

The Daily Inter Lake

Kalispell Police Department has launched a new business-watch page on its Web site to alert businesses to things such as counterfeit bills, forged checks, and other scams when they appear in town.

"What we hope to do is share information," said detective Sgt. Roger Nasset. "Why not use each other as a resource?"

He promises that businesses that sign up for the police department's e-mail list won't be overwhelmed with correspondence.

"It's not going to be three e-mails a day. It might be one every two weeks. We won't be crying wolf," Nasset said.

For example, if a criminal starts passing forged checks they might get away with it at only one or two businesses, instead of 15 or 20, if police can warn others about the suspect's description and information about the bank account that is being used.

A couple of years ago there were a number of break-ins at churches. The police Web site could now warn other churches about the burglaries and help them tighten up their security if they wish.

Police tried phone trees in the past, but found them to be time-consuming, Nasset said.

He hopes that volunteers will eventually be in charge of monitoring the e-mail communication.

Business owners who want to be added to the department's e-mail list should contact Nasset at 758-7780.

The department's Web site is kpd@kalispell.com. Police are listed under departments and the business-watch page is on its listing.

Alerts on scams are only part of the city's desire to work with businesses.

Nasset said police have talked to some business owners who said they would like training on employee theft, work-place violence and how to effectively report crimes. Other topics police will provide training on include preventing robberies, counterfeit money, fraud, and shoplifting.

Reporter Chery Sabol may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at csabol@dailyinterlake.com