New Police Activity Map Launched In Palos Verdes Estates

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA — A new police activity map has been launched in Palos Verdes Estates. Here's what it entails.

The new map was announced Wednesday, and according to Palos Verdes Estates police, it is meant to increase transparency while providing community members with early notifications of incidents going around the coastal city.

The incidents on the visual tool appear roughly 24 hours after they've been reported.

"This platform contains real-time information for situational awareness only," city officials said online.

But city officials say that it's important for community members to remember that the map reflects initial reports, rather than an outcome.

For example, if a break-in is reported to a dispatcher, the map may indicate an ongoing burglary in progress. But if the call turns out not to be a burglary, the map may not reflect that outcome, according to city officials.

"Initial classifications are based on perception, not investigation," city officials said. "Police activity maps can overstate actual crimes if they’re not updated. Public interpretation may be skewed if every marker is assumed to represent a confirmed incident."

"Think of it as a snapshot in time — not a final report," police said.

To view the map, click here.