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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Syracuse Police Department has released a new online tool that should make it easier for the public to report minor crimes.

The so-called E-SERVE reporting system is an addition to the department's web site. Syracuse residents can use the tool to report crimes such as criminal mischief, damage to property under $1,500, larceny under $3,000 or aggravated harassment.

Another important criteria to using E-SERVE is that you must not have suspect information. If you do, you still must call police.

Officials say the tool is just an efficient way of getting a police report without having an officer dispatched.

"Something like this, without suspect information, will be categorized as a Priority 3 call. And there's a chance that they could wait upwards to four hours to have a police officer respond to take this report. And some people are sitting there and saying ‘Hey, I just want to file a police report,’" Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler said.

Meanwhile, SPD's Teleserve system will remain online for those who want to file reports over the phone. Authorities say they have gotten a lot of feedback about E-SERVE and have seen it succeed in other cities.