Pleasanton residents can now monitor and break down police activity throughout the city using a newly launched website that provides real time information.

"Citizen Connect" is a new portal that replaces the Pleasanton Police Department's old crime mapping software, which had been used by residents for the past decade. City officials said in a statement that the new website offers "increased control and customization for business owners, residents and prospective residents."

"The Pleasanton Police Department is always looking at emerging technologies that enhance the transparency of our department," Capt. Kurt Schlehuber said. "It is important for us to share the work we are doing to keep our community safe."

Residents can use the site to learn more about general or specific local crimes, "from robberies to car accidents." Once a service call is closed, information from the incident is updated in real time, though officials said some "are protected by law and made confidential."

A cursory view of the site shows that residents can isolate their searches to a particular type such as cases, traffic collisions or arrests. They can also look up a specific address and date ranges for reported incidents, as well as outlines of 92 local neighborhoods and five patrol beat areas.

If the site turns up a search match, users can click a pin on a map of where the incident took place and learn more details such as the case number, date and time of day, and responding officer's badge number. Search results are also divided and labeled by type, whether vandalism, theft or a missing person's report.

Users can also view street, heat or choropleth maps for a detailed look at how a particular area compares with crimes reported in other parts of the city.

PPD said it "encourages all citizens to access Citizen Connect and appreciates community feedback to improve the overall user experience," and that the new website is not affiliated with the Citizen mobile app.

The website cannot be used to report a crime; residents with a life or death emergency should call 9-1-1. Non-emergency incidents can be reported to the PPD non-emergency line at 931-5100.

Visit the new Citizen Connect website here.