The LAPD is starting a new computerized process to deal with auto collision damage reports -- a change that could put hundreds of officers back on the streets every month.
Normally, a written report of damage in a hit and run accident where there is no injury or investigative follow-up takes about two hours of a police officer's time. That amounts to thousands of wasted hours every year.
The LAPD is making it easier to file a traffic report where only property was damaged, according to the LAPD website online.
LA City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez says it is time that the public embraces technology to improve public safety.
"So we encourage the community to take far greater advantage of those resources that are being made available online to take those reports so that we can actually help prioritize other uses of our police officers' times in the field," she said.
By going to LAPD online and filing an electronic report with the department and your insurance company, it's estimated 40,000 hours of officer time will be saved.
That translates into additional street patrols and ultimately safer communities.
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