Thank goodness for the Internet - we all know how much easier it is to get information, whether it's about a travel destination, car insurance or getting "hot-off-the-press" local breaking news.

And now, because of the Internet, it will be easier for Gilroy residents to file routine police reports. Starting no later than October, when they're victims of "lesser" crimes - those that don't require an officer to respond - residents can file police reports online from home, from the library, or from a kiosk in the police department lobby.

2. Most importantly, polices officers have more time to combat crime

Why is this a win-win for residents. First, they can file these kinds of reports at their convenience, without waiting for an officer to show up to complete paperwork. Second, it frees expensive and scarce police resources to be on the street and working on more important crimes. Our officers will be able to focus on safety issues like traffic enforcement, to conduct parole checks, and to tackle crime prevention. It also reduces wear-and-tear on police cars and reduces spending on gas to get to "lesser" crime scenes.

There is one concern, and that's fraud. But the GPD's plan calls for officer's to review reports and red-flag anything that's suspicious.

An online reporting system has been up and running in Morgan Hill - like in most other cities - for two years, and it's been very well received.

3. Morgan Hill has had this system up and running for more than 2 years

"Instead of victims of crimes waiting for officers for 30 minutes or several hours, this program was developed," MHPD Sgt. Bill Norman told reporter Chris Bone. "... It frees us up to pursue more active police work. We like to go for bigger fish."

Kudos to new GPD Chief Denise Turner for making Internet-based reporting a reality in Gilroy. With the city facing a $3.9 million budget deficit, we're happy to see creative thinking, especially in the public safety sector, which consumes the vast majority of the city's budget. But that's not all. Turner also has plans to revive the city's phone-based reporting system, another convenient way for residents who might not be computer savvy to report crimes. This kind of creativity, use of technology and flexibility are to be lauded and ought to be emulated by other city department heads and other area governmental agencies.

Great work!