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by Bob_Ward from Dedham

Last Post 2 days, 22 hours Ago


Neighborhood Crime Reports
Jul 22, 2008 | 4:18 PM
Category: News
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There is a new computer program being made available to local police that could have an impact on all of our lives.

It's called CrimeReports.

This program provides a window into what police are doing in our communities. Here's how it works. Every day a police department's calls are plotted onto a Google Map. The call is represented by a push pin. Click on the push pin and you get a synopsis of the call. Exact addresses and names are omitted for privacy reasons. Rather than an exact address, you'll get a push

So if you see police in your neighborhood and you want to know why they are there, you can log on and find out.

And day after day, week after week, you can actually see what is happening all around you. If there is a rash of break ins, it's there.
Stolen cars? You'll see it. And, armed with that information you can keep a closer eye on your own property, and maybe report some suspicious activity that could help the police.

Right now only two Massachusetts towns: Barnstable and Haverhill are using CrimeReports. It's likely the number of towns will increase, as the program is available to police departments for $99/month.

Check out my story by clicking here. And let me know what you think.

Bob Ward
8 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 8
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Chip read my blog view my photos
Jul 23, 2008 | 5:42 AM

I think the Department of Public Safety should subscribe for the Commonwealth, and each community police department should be given an incentive for it's use.

Technology at its best.
TheEliteOne read my blog
Jul 23, 2008 | 8:40 AM

This is a good idea but I cannot see it catching on. Many small towns have police officers answering the phones. Many police officers hate doing this and aren't very good at it.

The more information given to the public, the more questions there will be. Add the jump lines to the stations, the calls will be never ending.
Michelle00000032 read my blog
Jul 23, 2008 | 1:00 PM

I know here in Somerville we have the weekly police log in our paper that you can get online. Might not be as soon as it happens but we get it on Thursday for the week before. It is usually always the same crimes and in the same neighborhoods.
Graham_Cracker read my blog view my photos
Jul 23, 2008 | 7:48 PM

Why not, Bob? ...Seems logical...

You've been great in the morning, btw. You've got that real network anchor quality to you...seriously.
Aidan891 read my blog view my photos
Jul 23, 2008 | 10:49 PM

I wish my town had these alerts...I think its a great idea and keeps the public informed on whats going on in their city/town.

Great Job in the morning Bob!

Aidan
Bob_Ward read my blog view my photos
Jul 24, 2008 | 9:47 AM

Hey Graham and Aidan!!

Thanks for the props! It's fun to work with the morning crew. They have a great team, and it's nice to be a part of it from time to time.

How 'bout Gene and Doug? Did they not pick the worst week for vacation?

Talk to you later,

Bob
Graham_Cracker read my blog view my photos
Jul 26, 2008 | 10:00 AM

"How 'bout Gene and Doug? Did they not pick the worst week for vacation?"

I guess it depends if they went on a "stay-cation," or if they went to a sunnier part of the globe! LOL

You're a cool dude, Bob.
Aidan891 read my blog view my photos
Jul 26, 2008 | 11:25 PM

Yeah hopefully they went to somewhere sunny that didn't rain the whole week! lol
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Bob_Ward

I am a reporter/anchor specializing in crime and regular features such as New England's Unsolved and Mass Most Wanted.

Member Since: 10/16/2006


 

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