Alcohol-related offenses top list in 28 categories that can be searched
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
With the use of the latest mapping technology, Whitewater officials recently unveiled an electronic map that plots where specific crimes are occurring within the community.
City Manager Cameron Clapper and Police Chief Lisa Otterbacher discussed the new interactive tool at a Common Council meeting Nov. 18. It can be accessed on the municipal website at www.whitewater-wi.gov/resi dents/recent-news/2799-city-of-whitewater-crime-map.
The crime map reflects data, year-to-date, on 2014 incidents, but does not include any historical information. Plans call for adding to the map in the years ahead.
The map, developed by city staffer Scott Weberpal, gives users an opportunity to search by one or more crime types. In all, there are 28 categories, including alcohol related incidents, burglaries, noise complaints and issues pertaining to theft, forgery and fraud. At this time, the map is not detailing traffic related offenses.
Otterbacher said the most prevalent offense on the map is alcohol related offenses — particularly underage drinking.
According to the most recent data available, alcohol infractions have been reported primarily in pocketed areas, including sections of Tratt Street, Carriage Drive and, most prevalently, along Main Street.
In most instances, the map details the specific address of the offense. But Otterbacher said there are exceptions, particularly for such sensitive crimes as sexual assaults.
Council President Patrick Singer lauded the efforts taken to bring the map online.
“I think it gives the public, and those of us up here (on the council), some context, both in terms of violations and why things are happening in the community,” he said. “I think this paints a picture to help us better.”
Moving forward, Singer said the map could assist the council and city staff in policy decisions, particularly zoning related ones.
