When we started the DataSphere, we knew online crime data would be a staple of what we offered. Crime and where it happens are important indicators of quality of life and the level of safety in a community -- not to mention just good ol' nosey stuff people like to know about.

We've been offering crime data for months now, and have moved from our first static-but-clickable maps for Roanoke, Roanoke County and Salem to searchable databases with mapped results.

Now, we're closing in on full crime data coverage for the heart of The Roanoke Times circulation area.

Last week, we added data for Radford, and today, data for Montgomery Couny is now online.

As always, the offering is only as good as the data we get. We have to start someplace, so there's not a ton of data available, but as time passes, the databases wil become richer and more informative.

The Montgomery County map -- built and maintained by Online Production Editor Jim Ellison, who works in our New River Valley bureau -- shows misdemeanors and felonies recorded by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department. It doesn't include offenses reported to the Christiansburg and Blacksburg police department.

We may never have every place covered, but this is a pretty darn good start. It's valuable information which, if you pay attention to it, can help you live your life in the best and safest way. Check it out, and as always, let us know what you think.

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