Automated System Coming To Falls Twp. Police For Victim Notifications

June 12, 2025

The Falls Township Police Department is moving to implement an automated victim notification system.

The Falls Township Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with Versaterm Public Safety US Inc. for the “Community Connect” program during its Tuesday evening work session.

The new system is designed to address the challenges officers face in keeping up-to-date with victims, officials said.

Chief of Police Nelson Whitney said he was looking forward to using the program, which hasn’t yet been used by any local municipality.

“The Community Connect program is an enhanced 9-1-1 program that will increase our engagement with citizens who call 9-1-1 for the police in Falls Township,” Whitney said. “It can send automated text messages to citizens and keep them informed of our response to their calls for service.”

The first year of the program will be fully funded through a grant from the Pennsylvania Community and Economic Assistance Program. The state grant will cover deployment, training, software integration, and support services at no cost to Falls Township.

Versaterm, which operates in all 50 states and Canada, reports its software sends over 1 million monthly notifications.

Officials said in a statement that the system integrates with the department’s existing computer-aided dispatch, records management system and case management system to automate updates for 911 callers and crime victims.

According to Versaterm’s informational brochure, the software, previously known as SPIDR Tech, “will send automatic notifications every time there is a change in the victim’s case. Our platform helps integrate, automate, streamline agency communications and focus on victim care.”

The company added that victims will have autonomy over how they receive notifications, including text, email or a portal, and can provide feedback through customizable surveys.

The system also offers language translation capabilities.