Beginning in July, Schertz Police Department is now able to accept certain motor vehicle accident reports online via an online reporting program provided by LexisNexis. Visitors to the site can file a minor vehicle accident or hit and run accident report online without the need of speaking to a Police Officer.
Currently, there are only a few reports users can file online. These include most accidents and require both the driver license and vehicle information for ALL involved parties.
Another types of reports that can be filed online involve those accidents where an involved party did not stop at the scene of the accident and provide any of the required information. This might be a hit and run with property damage only, or a hit and run involving vehicle damage only. For example, someone collided with and damaged a mailbox but left the scene without stopping to provide any information, or someone being rear-ended at a stoplight and the other party leaves the scene without providing the necessary information.
It is important for users to remember that in order to use this online reporting system the accident must have occurred within the Schertz city limits.
Upon filing a report, users are then provided a temporary case number to be used for future reference. The report is then reviewed by Police Department personnel, and it is either accepted or rejected with an explanation and/or a request for more information.
At this time users can only file certain types of accident reports online; however, Schertz Police Department plans for minor property crime offenses such as theft and criminal mischief to be added to the same online reporting system in the future.
Lt. Kelly Kallies stated, “Schertz Police Department is constantly looking for ways to improve service to our residents and this online reporting system will not only benefit the Police Department to increase efficiency, but it also benefits our community. Citizens are now able to file reports online using a computer, tablet, or cell phone at their convenience - day or night.”
With over 1,800 minor accidents and hit and runs in 2018, this online reporting system will provide patrol officers the opportunity to focus more time on actively patrolling the city. The system also provides users the convenience of completing a report on their schedule from the comfort of their home.
While Schertz PD encourages residents to try out this new online service for reporting minor accidents they can still request an officer complete the report instead by calling dispatch. For more information and to use this online reporting system go to Schertz.com and click on Services – Police - File an Online Report.
