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POST FALLS - Crime fighting has gone high-tech and mobile in Post Falls.

Citizens can now report criminal activity via text messages and email.

Police say the system - being piloted in this area by PFPD - is not intended to replace 911. If residents need emergency assistance, 911 is still the preferred and fastest way to communicate.

But texting or e-mailing crime has advantages, including for hearing impaired citizens who will not have to rely on a relay service or TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf), if a person can't speak for whatever reason during a crime and the appeal to younger people.

"Whether you like it or not, it's obvious that the future of communication is texting," Chief Scot Haug said. "You look at young people today and that's the method of communication. Text messaging is here, and everybody's using it. We are just looking for new ways to get information to solve and reduce crime."

Charlene Holbrook, PFPD's emergency communications supervisor, said the hope is that the system will get the younger crowd more involved with crime prevention.

"Texting allows them a method of communication with which most teens are comfortable," Holbrook said. "Texting was the next logical step for us."

The department already accepts anonymous tips through www.postfallspolice.com.

Texting may be a preferred way to report incidents such as dogs at large, fraud, abandoned vehicles and other non-emergency situations.

After a text message is sent to crimes@pfpd.us, the message displays on a computer screen in PFPD's 911 center. A dispatcher will then dispatch an officer after gathering pertinent information from the reporting party. Officers will also be able to view the information from the laptops of their patrol cars.

Photos can also be sent.

"A photo can be worth 1,000 words," Holbrook said.

Other area law enforcement agencies will watch to see how Post Falls does with it. Kootenai County's 911 center does not have a text-a-crime feature.

"We are not currently exploring this issue due to the time it takes to text the questions back and forth vs. using voice over the phone and the volume of calls that our 911 center handles daily," Kootenai County Sheriff's Major Ben Wolfinger said. "We will watch how it works in Post Falls and re-assess after a time has passed."

With its new system, Post Falls is working toward the future of crime reporting - the nationwide Next Generation 911, or NG911, that will allow reporting via text, Holbrook said.

"Although the standards are still being developed nationwide, we are gradually working toward NG911," Holbrook said. "The technology is here."

How it works

• Here's how to report crime to Post Falls Police via text message or email: (Texting is not intended to replace 911; if you have an emergency and a choice between calling and texting, call 911.)

• From your phone, use your short messaging service or texting function (160 characters maximum)

• Compose your message

• Attach a photo or video if applicable

• Send to crime@pfpd.us

• Be prepared for follow-up questions from dispatch if needed

• Police will respond if appropriate