AUGUSTA — The city’s latest crime numbers are now just a click away.

Augusta police, working with BAIR Analytics, now offers an online map that offers viewers a chance to see what times of crimes occur in the city and when and where they take place.

“Augusta citizens can view a map and grid with all of the crimes in their area, sign up for neighborhood watch reports and automatically email a breakdown of recent crime activity,” said Augusta Deputy Police Chief Jared Mills.

The Regional Analysis & Information Data Sharing (RAIDS) system also allows people to send anonymous tips about a crime directly to police.

BAIR, a Colorado-based software and service company that caters to law enforcement and security agencies, offers the mapping service free of charge.

“Our company is able to offer this as a free tool, because we offer paid analytical services for law enforcement that support this business model,” said BAIR sales director Thad Quimby. “The goal is to create a true national map of crime by reducing any cost barriers for law enforcement to share this data.”

Lewiston was the first Maine city to join the system. Auburn, Lisbon and Saco have jumped on board since. Each police department can determine how much information to release and how frequently to provide updates, Quimby said. Information BAIR collects cannot be sold to third-party vendors.

The data typically comes directly from the police department’s records management system. In Augusta, information will be automatically synched to the record system to provide updates online and in the mobile applications.

“Each city remains in complete control and ownership of their data,” Quimby said. “They can share what they want with their community and, if they choose to, they can remove it from our system at their discretion.”

BAIR founder Sean Bair, a former police officer, said the mapping system and mobile application allows residents to better understand crime trends.

“The Augusta Police Department’s participation in RAIDS Online highlights their commitment to proactive communication with the public they serve,” Bair said.

To visit the interactive crime map or to sign up for reports, click on the link on the main page of the Augusta Police Department’s website. To access the site, click on the link on the city’s site (AugustaMaine.gov). To access the map directly, visit www.RAIDSOnline.com/?address=Augusta,%20ME.

Craig Crosby — 621-5642

ccrosby@centralmaine.com