http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/science-scope/groundbreaking-camera-lets-you-shoot-now-focus-later/8810
Imagine you’re riding the subway and there’s a big crowd standing by the doors. As the doors close, you hear screams that someone had their bag stolen.
Normally, that would be it. Maybe someone will remember the robber’s face or what they’re wearing, but it happened so fast that it’s unlikely.
But what if another passenger used their smartphone to get a quick photo or video of the person running past the windows with the bag? What if there was an easy way to report the crime and send evidence to the police?
CrimePush, a new app, aims to make it easier to report crime, and evidence that you gather with a smartphone (a photo or video), to the police. What makes it even more useful is that you can do it all secretly, without calling 9-1-1, making it easier to report crimes without putting personal safety at risk.
Co-founder Shayan Pahlevani thought of the app after he was robbed at gunpoint in Washington, D.C.
The company’s other co-founder explains his vision for the app:
“There are often tense situations when calling the police is not an option. There are other times when inconvenience or fear of reprisal prevents one from reporting an incident,” explains co-founder Eman Pahlevani to Forbes. “Featuring the ability to take a photo, record video and audio, and provide a description of the incident, citizens can now be assured that their phone has the capability to alert family, friends, and the authorities at the push of a button, should a threat arise.”
The advantage I see with this app is that as it catches on, and criminals are caught because of it, it would act as a crime deterrent. Especially in crowded places where many people have access to a smartphone, this could make would-be petty thieves think twice before committing a crime.
On the other hand, I wonder how much this app would be a help or hindrance in police units where resources are already stretched thin. Would blurred photos and choppy videos really help? Would the app cause police to put more of an emphasis on petty crimes instead of more serious criminal activity?
For now it’s all just speculation. The app was released yesterday in a beta version and it’s not connected to any police or emergency services, though the company is working to make that happen.
I’d love to hear from any police officers or emergency service officials out there. The app: help or hindrance?
[h/t Forbes]
