One of the fundamental components of community policing is having genuine partnerships with the community. In an effort to build such partnerships, many law enforcement agencies are going online to collaborate with members of the community. Police departments are finding that the ability to engage in positive interactions, solicit citizen input, and deliver services to citizens is made easier by using the World Wide Web. Community members may also find using the Internet a feasible method of interacting with their local police department, given that the Internet is available 24 hours a day and conveniently accessible via personal computers and handheld devices. Interacting electronically may be even more attractive to those citizens who wish their interaction to be anonymous or, at a minimum, confidential.

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