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The State Journal-Register in Springfield, Ill., keeps readers informed on burglaries in the city and surrounding communities in the county through a database and searchable maps.
WHAT THEY DID: The SJ-R offers two databases for readers to search recent burglary reports. One database compiles reports supplied by the Springfield Police Department; the other compiles reports from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and municipal law enforcement offices in the county. Readers can search reports from the past 30 days by location, items stolen or police beat boundaries. There also are charts highlighting the most common items stolen and days of the week when the burglaries occur.
THE TAKEAWAY: The interactive display allows readers to search the reports through a variety of ways. More importantly, it keeps readers informed of burglaries in their neighborhoods. The concept may be used with other content, such as charting local festivals and events.
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