App to track the local police ‘live’
Is it brilliant or plain stupid? The opinions on this initiative will differ. But the Runnymede police launched an app which allows everyone to ‘follow’ the police. You can even help the police real time with this app.
This app is developed by Surrey police, a police department nearby Windsor Castle. The local police wants to be transparent and therefore launched an iPhone app called ‘Surrey Police Beat Mobile App’. With the app inhabitants of Runnymede can track the police activities live. This way everyone can always see where the local Bobbies are. A good example of thinking outside the box.
“We want to provide communities with the information they need so that they are empowered to work together with the police to tackle the issues that matter to them locally. This new app not only gives residents in Surrey the ability to view what crimes are happening on their streets in a convenient format, but crucially provides them with live updates on where and how their local neighbourhood police teams are taking action to tackle issues”
Nick Herbert, Policing and Criminal Justice Minister
In my opinion this is a good and bold initiative. I’m curious what the people of Runnymede think of the app, and if they will use it on their smartphones. The main reason to use the app is that they have a say in the activities of their police force through the app. For example how to prioritize the workload of the police; first a robbery or a deadly accident? This way they bridge the gap between the citizens and the government. In other words, they want to be transparent and have more interaction with the people. The main objective: to take advantage of the wisdom of the crowds.
We think it is a good initiative. What do you think, should your local police force embrace this app?
