App for police

[Howie]

I am aware, I am a cop.

haha, I know. I was expanding for the others in the thread
Many people don't know that and think people abuse their powers. I'm sure there are some, but not all.

 

[Slug]

Let's keep this thread clean and on topic please, no need for insults...

If you don't like the topic, don't comment, it's that simple

Seemed pretty easily straightforward to me, yet some chose to ignore the friendly warning.....

Once again, if you can't/won't contribute to the topic then please don't post. I'd hoped the only things I'd be handing out this time of year were gifts, not infractions.

 

[Cessna]

Jesus IOWA. I feel better about myself now haha.

 

[pal251]

Someone is a bit paranoid.

My patrol car has a mic and always recording video camera like most police cars. Perfect for those certain citizens. I would love to have a citizen drive around "following" me because they would see me go to the gas station a few times. Maybe take a couple criminal damage to property reports and see me park for an hour or so to run "radar".

 

[IOWA]

Someone is a bit paranoid.

My patrol car has a mic and always recording video camera like most police cars. Perfect for those certain citizens. I would love to have a citizen drive around "following" me because they would see me go to the gas station a few times. Maybe take a couple criminal damage to property reports and see me park for an hour or so to run "radar".

Its not you that I am looking for, it is those who like to abuse their power, and I dont know where you live, but here in Chicago corrupt police are easier to find than you would think.... Sadly.

And that person who received the infraction is me, and I don't know why?!? For sharing a story and opinion? Who knows.

I've found any time someone outs themselves as being a Cop, the anti-authority people come out of the wood work.

To address the comment directly though, we're trained to multitask so that we're able to do so at a lower rate of risk then the daily commuter.

Example:

Having to drive with lights and sirens on, while negotiating traffic, red lights, using the handheld microphone on the main channel frequency while also using the in-car radio on the tactical channel and loading a shotgun/rifle all at the same time. It can be done safely, just with lots of training and practice.

Most drivers can't talk on the cell phone and drive at the same time, let alone relay and receive information from two radio sources in unison.

It's not that your average cop is smart or better then Joe Citizen, it's just that a heavy part of our profession is training.

Back on to the point of the initial thread, I stand by my initial statements.

I have the Motorola Droid and aside from using it as a phone, I use it for all sorts of things, none of which are work related. I had a bad experience using personal electronic property for work related items and won't make that mistake again.

I actually believe some people are just better than others when it comes to certain things. I've never had any problems multitasking while driving, but unfortunately you can't write the law on a case by case basis. And don't get me wrong, I am not against government agencies using technology, I am against them using it wrongly. Clearly in the case of an emergency, an officer should be able to bend certain laws to communicate vital information and such. But in the same respect, special training or not, police shouldn't be able to talk to grandma while just patrolling. There is a difference and that is what I am trying to say. I think some of you took what I said wrongly and I apologize for not being more clear. And to the argument that 'special training' makes it ok for police to multitask while driving, then I should be able to do it legally as well. But no, I have to buy 'hands-free' kits and such, because the law says so. I can probably out-wheel, out-drive, and out-manuever 99% percent of police officers or government agents, as I have also recieved special training in that dept. I sport race, (legally), and have taken many stunt/professional driving courses just because it is something that interested me. But that is just me, all the time I see people who shouldn't chew gum and drive at the same time, but again, law can't be written on a case by case basis. Thanks for reading and just had to clear that up.

 

[shivers316]

Ok there have been complaints about this thread and complaints about how this thread has been handled. I'm handling things now and the way I'm handling things will be final. I apologize to the people that came to this thread just looking for answers to just have it turn into a discussion about what cops do wrong. I'm going to let this thread stay open, but I promise you that I will NOT tolerate anymore negativity. This is not an F the police discussion, so keep it on topic.

 

[dmodert66]

First off, I think that location based pictures and note taking on the phone would be very useful for officers. It would be nice if PDs would buy smart phones for officers for use in investigations. Have several per officer so if introduced as evidence, simply switch the phone number to a back up phone. I know it would be an expensive outlay, but I think it would go a long way to help out in certain cases.

Secondly, I'm a bit surprised by the animosity toward officers. I have been pulled over a few times in the last several years, but am always polite and courteous to the officers and in return, they respond likewise. Yes, there are bad apples out there, but I don't believe for a minute that the majority are "bad cops". That said, my heart drops if/when I see those flashing lights behind me, but it's likely my fault anyway...

 

[pal251]

Ok there have been complaints about this thread and complaints about how this thread has been handled. I'm handling things now and the way I'm handling things will be final. I apologize to the people that came to this thread just looking for answers to just have it turn into a discussion about what cops do wrong. I'm going to let this thread stay open, but I promise you that I will NOT tolerate anymore negativity. This is not an F the police discussion, so keep it on topic.

Shivers316 thank you for your enthusiasm and support.

If it wasn't for the fact I have been on the internet since compuserve and a 14.4k modem I wouldn't believe how rude some people are. I will leave it at that and I am almost tempted to withdraw my membership and quit this forum.

Thank you all for your *kind* information

 

[usmc0911]

IOWA - On your second post it indicated you audio recorded the conversation between you and the police officer, from the Chicago Police Department. In the state of Illinois; it is a felony to audio record any conversation unless you have both parties consent. You need an overhear signed by a judge prior to the incident (Single Party consent). Last I checked, Chicago is in Illinois isn't it?!?!?!?!?

 

[inssane]

Maybe CameraZoom FX with geotagging uploaded or emailed to someone or yourself?

 

[katierob]

I'd like to have 'Mobile Cop' on as an app like on my agency's old dept. issued blackberry's. Getting dvm info back on demand without having to go through dispatch is pretty handy not to mention the convienience of the other features of the program. Gunslinger..is that what your agency uses?

 

[inssane]

IOWA - On your second post it indicated you audio recorded the conversation between you and the police officer, from the Chicago Police Department. In the state of Illinois; it is a felony to audio record any conversation unless you have both parties consent. You need an overhear signed by a judge prior to the incident (Single Party consent). Last I checked, Chicago is in Illinois isn't it?!?!?!?!?

+1 this is true.
I live in Chicago and yeah we have some corrupt cops, but there are good ones too. Trust me when I say that they don't mind giving the "maglite treatment" and IMHO sometimes it's needed around here.
I think Iowa needs a job that doesn't involve harassing the cops. I bet if he called 911 they wouldn't even show up.

And yeah, so you basically admitted to committing a felony on a thread with cops chatting - oh yeah, and that audio would not be admissible in court.

 

[Deleted User]

I really can't believe we have a police officer asking for an app to collect evidence on offenders!

Next we'll have soldiers asking for apps that let them target the Taliban.

 

[Szadzik]

I really can't believe we have a police officer asking for an app to collect evidence on offenders!

Next we'll have soldiers asking for apps that let them target the Taliban.

My exact thoughts.

 

[inssane]

More memory about a case brings a better trial/conviction.
People (cops) not remembering important details is why criminals run free.
People want a fair case - things have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt with ALL facts presented.
If this app makes his job easier, it is a safer place for all of us.

 

[Deleted User]

The police are already given enough tools to do their jobs correctly. If they're not then they should be requesting the proper tools through their chain of command and not asking for some toy town app.

 

[inssane]

The police are already given enough tools to do their jobs correctly. If they're not then they should be requesting the proper tools through their chain of command and not asking for some toy town app.

If you need a wrench and your boss can't afford one - you have to be resourceful.

 

[Deleted User]

If you need a wrench and your boss can't afford one - you have to be resourceful.

There's a big difference between finding a spanner and gathering evidence on a criminal using a mobile phone that relies upon a low res camera and a fairly inaccurate GPS data logger. The defence would be laughing all the way to a non-guilty verdict!

 

[foodroid]

I am currently working with DHS, and looking for ideas for producing and piloting mobile applications. I would like to know of any other ideas for apps that may be useful. I know some guys that are involved with ARJIS out in San Diego are working on an Android based field interview application. Additionally, if the network permits, allowing Wants and Warrants searches from mobile phones. I am currently looking to pitch ideas to DHS. I have been working on law enforcement applications for the past 6 years and I have found that only an officer can tell you what is missing from their job and how technology can improve it, so any input would be valuable. Additionally, any other first repsonders are welcome to give input.

 

[DenieD_UK]

Id have to say using a none certified for police work style app would most likely be a bad idea... most obviously because of what the first reply said (phone being taken in evidence).

Also what would happen if you lost your phone and the person that found it used all the information you had gathered for some dodgy purpose? Wouldn't you be accountable?

I'm from the UK so I can't say about US law on this sort of thing but I'd of thought mobile apps would be very useful for the police however possibly internally developping them would be the best bet, if you turned up to a court in the UK with "I recorded the place on my mobile phone on piece of software xyz" the defence would probs rip the case wide open with things about how the programmer of the app missed a fullstop on a line of code and it could cause an inaccuracy on the GPS tracking or something silly.

That said I think its a great idea, just not using commercially available apps on your personal phone. GL keeping the roads safe though, I'm all for the police trying to improve their services.

 

[foodroid]

I really can't believe we have a police officer asking for an app to collect evidence on offenders!

Next we'll have soldiers asking for apps that let them target the Taliban.

You should see some of the cool apps that the military is using. I really hate the iPhone, but any officers should contact apple, as they have a law enforcement only store for the iPhone.

Being and android lover, I would really love to have all of the software open and free for LE.

 

[foodroid]

I am wondering If I could get some feedback from the LE guys on some ideas that I had.

1. Public app such as google buzz that would allow citizens to post tips
2. Ability to integrate into a CAD system and display information, like trapster.
3. Not mine, but stolen, Facial, Bar Code, and LPR from a picture from the phone
4. Ability to download hotlists, warrants or stolen vehicles to the phone and a simple search interface.

Would web based apps that do not store information locally, but push to a server eliminate some of the need to give your phone of to a defense attorney?

 

[DenieD_UK]

I am wondering If I could get some feedback from the LE guys on some ideas that I had.

1. Public app such as google buzz that would allow citizens to post tips
2. Ability to integrate into a CAD system and display information, like trapster.
3. Not mine, but stolen, Facial, Bar Code, and LPR from a picture from the phone
4. Ability to download hotlists, warrants or stolen vehicles to the phone and a simple search interface.

Would web based apps that do not store information locally, but push to a server eliminate some of the need to give your phone of to a defense attorney?

I think apple got it right on this one where they made the military store different to the civilian, the apps are all tried and tested for purpose.

In reply to your points:

1 - I'd be wary that some "dodgy" people would use this to mascarade as "nice" people and post erroneous information, or worse set traps.

2 - No idea

3 - Don't quite get what you mean, if you mean make notes / take pics of stuff and upload to a central server (to bypass the "oi, hand over your phone as evidence" rules) then what happens if the server is offline when you need it; government IT systems are subject to stringent deadlines and pay high costs if things arent available when they should be (at least in the UK they are).

4 - Isn't this what the incar laptop thingy is for?

I don't mean to sound arsey but I'd feel much safer if police used government developed software where some company has been paid big bucks to get it right...

What would happen if I developed some app to do this and 2 years down the line you all found out I was siphoning the data off and selling it to some dodgy company to spam email all the people you make notes about? It's just to open to being abused / screwed up by the developers, it needs the strict testing / implementation / penalty guidelines that other government projects are subject to.

 

[foodroid]

I think apple got it right on this one where they made the military store different to the civilian, the apps are all tried and tested for purpose.

In reply to your points:

1 - I'd be wary that some "dodgy" people would use this to mascarade as "nice" people and post erroneous information, or worse set traps.

-- Thank could be true with any tip system. This would just move from being a web based or call based system into the mobile arena.

2 - No idea

3 - Don't quite get what you mean, if you mean make notes / take pics of stuff and upload to a central server (to bypass the "oi, hand over your phone as evidence" rules) then what happens if the server is offline when you need it; government IT systems are subject to stringent deadlines and pay high costs if things arent available when they should be (at least in the UK they are).

-- I thought about this some more and I am thinking that a local cache and then the ability to upload to a central server which would be the actual data store. For example, a lot of MDTs only use wifi to upload reports when the go back to a hotspot, they do not have air cards that allow them to always access information.

4 - Isn't this what the incar laptop thingy is for?

-- There are many functions that are available in the car, but when you start looking at other aspects, such as foot patrol, horse, and bicycle officers, they do not have a laptop with them.

I don't mean to sound arsey but I'd feel much safer if police used government developed software where some company has been paid big bucks to get it right...

What would happen if I developed some app to do this and 2 years down the line you all found out I was siphoning the data off and selling it to some dodgy company to spam email all the people you make notes about? It's just to open to being abused / screwed up by the developers, it needs the strict testing / implementation / penalty guidelines that other government projects are subject to.

That is exactly what I am trying to do. I work for a government contractor that works with DHS and NIJ to develop and pilot applications.

 

[DenieD_UK]

That is exactly what I am trying to do. I work for a government contractor that works with DHS and NIJ to develop and pilot applications.

Ah, in which case theres probs quite a lot that can be achieved with handhelds, I'd veer away from the tip system for the pilot phase though, probs more stuff like Photo recognition? I'm thinking something like a database of known criminals and some sort of fancy version of google goggles that recognises the person from facial recognition techniques... tells you they have previous for XYZ... how about as an aside a distress button (obviously it would need to be silent and easy enough to activate while not being to easy to catch by mistake... it would text the coordinates of the phone to a prespecified number...