Privacy concerns over a free App. police departments are offering, which encourages the public to submit pictures that have GPS capabilities.
Peabody, MA - A smartphone application developed by a Peabody police detective meant to improve communication between police and the community was released this week for the iPhone and Android markets.
It’s an extraordinary innovation,’’ said Peabody Police Chief Robert L. Champagne. “We see this as a very valuable tool to connect with the public we are trying to reach.’’
The app is free and includes features for police news updates, social media postings, finding accident reports, directions, department directory information, feedback and questions, department surveys, submitting crime tips, and other options. In addition, users can submit photos of problems such as a crime being committed, graffiti that needs cleaning, or a broken traffic light.
The app also has GPS capabilities, and users can attach coordinates to a photo, tip, or complaint, police said.
Olson said so far, 30 police departments have signed up since the app’s release, and well over 100 more have expressed interest. Olson donated the app to the Peabody police for free, and other departments can purchase it at an average cost of about $650 per year, depending on the size of the department.
Link:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/07/21/peabody_police_reach_out_to_community_with_new_app/