In an effort to further build trust with the community, the HISD Police Department is implementing a new way for the public to report incidents.

The Axon Citizen for Communities portal is now active on the department’s web page. The new system allows HISD Police to receive video evidence captured by community members through a public submission form. The information provided by citizens will assist officers in solving crimes.

“Confidence in the police department improves community interactions, enhances communication and promotes shared responsibility for addressing crime and disorder,” said HISD Police Chief Pedro Lopez.

The department hopes to bridge the gap between citizens and police by creating a new avenue for community members to assist the department directly.

To use the Axon Citizen Evidence Submission Portal, click Submit Evidence at the bottom of the page. After you enter your information, click Send Link. A private link will be sent to your email which will take you to a website where you can upload evidence files. After uploading is complete, click Submit, and you’re done! The private link for submissions expires after three days. By using Axon Citizen, you voluntarily provide the HISD Police Department with certain contact information, includ- ing your name, birth date, address, and phone number.

The department may use your contact information for a variety of purposes, such as contacting you with questions about your submission. Any evidence submitted becomes the property of the HISD Police Department and may be used as evidence.

HISD also recently invested in the Axon Body Worn Camera program to further cement the department’s commitment to transparency. Video recorded by body cams helps protect police officers and citizens against false accusations, claims of misconduct, or abuse and increases officers’ transpar- ency and accountability.

For more information, check out the department’s policies and procedures at www.houstonisd.org.