Sheriff Rutherford and Mayor Brown

[Crime Solver]

Hey gang, Four years ago after doing extensive research I decided to bet the farm and develop technology that will put the Crime Stoppers concept into hyper-drive by giving all of us virtually the same tools to solve crime that police have (run a tag by phone; identify a suspect on the run with a tattoo search by laptop or phone; match stolen jewelry and run serial numbers and on and on and get a minimum $500 for doing so.) Sheriff Rutherford was offered the system completely at cost as a pilot city and he agreed. But eight months into production he backed out for purely political reasons (his advisers told him he should back out because the media might accuse us of being friends because I'm ex-JSO, I.E. what Peyton went through when he actually hired a friend.) That act nearly put me in bankruptcy and has cost us taxpayers about $11 million in tax dollars: And I don't even want to think of the lives that might have been saved. And then when I said OK, then treat me like a business and I'll make you a money back guarantee that I'll meet my goals and save the city around $3 million a year the coward said "I don't want to mess with it."

But the reason I'm telling ya'll this, is that we have a new Mayor who ran on a platform of reducing crime. I've met with his team, explained the system in detail and what Rutherford did and have given the Mayor the same options: Completely at cost which would allow us to begin operations immediately and save even more tax dollars and protect your private property: Or the money back option that will mean delays and less tax dollars saved while I go out and find investors to back my offer. They were interested but I will no longer trust a politician. I'm not a businessman; just a cop in business who needs support: Even if option one isn't taken, how can option two be turned down?

[Jimmy]

This sounds very dangerous to me.  You don't want to inadvertently deputize the untrained public.  It could very well put people's lives in danger as they embark on free police work (at best) and vigilantism (at worst).

If I was the General Counsel for the City, I'd have to tell the Mayor and Sheriff to pass on your system.  Unless I'm misunderstanding something here, I don't think it's advisable at all.

[RiversideLoki]

I gotta err on Jimmy's side here. The system you're describing sounds extremely dangerous if put in the wrong hands. Imagine a road rage situation where someone cuts someone off, they write their tag down, procure their information, and go on a revenge strike against them (or their family). Not to mention the countless privacy issues this would bring up. Citizens spying on citizens, etc. The amount of misuses a system like this could allow for is mind-boggling.

I like the sentiment, but as they say "the road to hell is paved with good intentions."

[Crime Solver]

No, it's completely safe. All the public will be doing is verifying stolen items or cars wanted in connection with a crime or identifying a suspect on the run. The police will do the rest and dispatched immediately; plus you can remain completely anonymous if you are afraid of testifying if asked to. As far as people acting crazy we have that now and this system is for felonies, not road rage; but I appreciate everyone's feedback: Ps. It was approved by the Sheriff's council.

[Jimmy]

Is this some sort of a smart phone application that you've developed?  I'm having a hard time imagining the mechanics of the system that processes the data that's input. 

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

identify a suspect on the run with a tattoo search by laptop or phone;

Hey Buddy!  Put down the gun and roll up your sleeve a little....  can I get you to turn a little to your left, the light is better....   be still - Damn!  Sorry, my finger was on the lens.  Hang on.....  Let me wipe this spot of blood away....  OK, thanks, got it. and...... Send.

Nice tat BTW.

[Crime Solver]

I'm glad you guys want more info. This system will be manned by a call center who are ready to answer the phone or instant chat on the Internet. If a citizen becomes suspicious of something they will be able to do their own research or have our personnel do it. If a hit occurs the police will be dispatched immediately if there is a need and the investigating detective or officer notified as well. Of course, we will stress safety first and don't put yourself in danger. But just to emphasize the need for this technology and help from the public I'll give you a stat. In one year 31 full time burglary detectives were assigned 7,900 felonies with solvability factors present. At the end of the year they were only able to solve 960 with the technology we have in place now. And believe me, criminal history checks will clearly show that the people stealing from us are also the ones who are robbing us in parking lots with a gun and sometimes worse. I no longer carry a gun, but I would love the ability to be behind an expensive car with a broke vent window and have the ability to run the tag. And Non-RedNeck Westsider: Thanks for responding, but why do you think the police routinely have the news post pictures of wanted suspects and ask for the public's help? My system gives you the ability to pull up pictures of wanted persons to verify what you think you might have seen on the news.

[Dog Walker]

This article from today's New York Times is too long to post but gives you an idea of where something like this can go:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/29/world/asia/in-south-korea-where-digital-tattling-is-a-growth-industry.html?_r=1&ref=world&src=me&pagewanted=all

[Crime Solver]

Thanks, I'll check it out and remember; you guys are my sounding board and if enough of you would'nt bother using the system I'll put it to rest and find another way to help America and make money doing it!

[mtraininjax]

Jimmy, for all we know, you could be the new General Counsel, as Cindy leaves office tomorrow. Guess we will have to wait and see who her replacement is, as the new GC will have to be voted on by the city council.

Talk to the HAND! That guy is going to catch more heck over the next 4 years, I cannot wait, I love it!

[Jimmy]

That's not a job I'd want for all the sushi in Riverside.  As if I could get past the DemonBusterâ,,¢ anyway.  Ha!