SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane residents now have access to real-time crime data in their neighborhoods through a new public dashboard launched by the Spokane Police Department.
The Public Data Hub provides daily updates on everything from crimes and car crashes to police calls across the city. The interactive website allows users to view specific information about what’s happening in their area.
“If I want to see what is happening in my neighborhood, it’s very easy to do now. People haven’t had that before. This is a brand new functionality that we’re offering,” said Shawna Ernst, SPD Director of Analytics, Research and Technology.
The dashboard was designed to help residents make better decisions based on actual evidence rather than relying on social media narratives that may not reflect reality. Police officials say there’s often a disconnect between public perception of safety and actual crime statistics.
“There’s a narrative out there where people, their perception of safety and crime doesn’t always align with the actual numbers. And so we wanted to try and bring those together a little closer, and maybe give people, greater confidence in their ability to determine how safe their neighborhood is, how safe their downtown is, and how safe their city is,” said Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall.
The new platform replaces previous reporting methods by creating user-friendly dashboards that update daily.
Users can view data on crimes against people and property, see where car crashes are occurring, and track trends over time.
The system includes data dating back to 2019 and shows trend lines to help determine whether crime is increasing or decreasing both citywide and in specific districts.
Current data shows that citywide offenses are down from last year, according to the dashboard.
“The launch of our public-facing crime dashboard signifies an important step in SPD’s ongoing commitment to transparency. We aim to provide our community with clear, timely, and accessible information about the public safety issues that concern them,” Hall said.
The dashboard operates under the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and reflects the department’s commitment to modern, data-driven policing. Officials say the tool gives community members access to the same information that informs operational decisions within the police department.
“Whether you are a neighborhood council member, business owner, researcher, or a resident who cares about our city, these tools help everyone engage more deeply in public safety,” Ernst said.
The Spokane Police Department welcomes feedback and questions about the new dashboard system. The platform is designed to promote transparency, strengthen community trust, and enhance accountability while empowering residents to stay informed about public safety in their neighborhoods.
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