West Point police have begun implementing some new technology so when residents receive traffic tickets, they can at least pay them easier.

Offenders who just want to pay the ticket and not protest it in court now may go to westpointtix .com to pay their fines and tickets any time of day or night.

Chief Jeffrey Cato said the website makes it more convenient for residents and cut down on foot traffic in City Hall.

The service doesn’t cost the city government anything, because it’s run through fees collected. The chief said a new module soon will be added to the program allowing users to bond people out of the city jail rather than having to leave work or home and show up in person.

“It’s efficient and convenient for everyone,” he said.

LaGrange and Hogansville police and the Troup County Sheriff’s Department also allow residents to pay tickets online.

West Point also is adding another website to its services that will help residents monitor crime in their area. Real-time crime reports – with about a two-hours lag time – now will be available at www . crimereports .com.

All the city’s crime reports will be logged at the site, minus victims’ names and other identifying information.

Cato said if a resident sees or hears of police activity in their neighborhood, he can check the website within about two hours and be able to find out what’s going on without tying up 911.

Residents may go to the website to access a local crime map and sign up for daily, weekly or monthly e-mail updates.