MADISON, Wis. -- In response to criticism from the community over the lack of customer service when self-reporting a crime, Madison police on Wednesday unveiled a new way to file a police report.

The change is aimed to better help people who have been the been the victim of a petty crime.

Instead of filling out a form and hearing nothing from an actual officer, now an actual officer will take calls as part of the Madison Police Department's newly updated self-reporting unit.

At least one officer will staff the phone Monday though Friday. If an officer is busy, he or she will return the call.

Madison Police Capt. Carl Gloede said the changes are the result of listening sessions to find ways to improve the police department's interaction with the general public.

"Over these listening sessions, it was loud and clear that even though the process worked -- using the paper form -- it wasn't the most efficient method and it didn't offer the best customer service and community outreach that we could provide," Gloede said.

The police department also unveiled its new online self-reporting system. It requires no interaction with an officer but allows a victim to get instant access to a case number -- which is highly valuable for insurance claims.

People can access the Madison Police Department's online self-reporting system at this Web site. People can self-report any non-emergency crime by calling 608-245-3662.