using twitter to fight the local crime?

By local artist
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Today I noticed two drug related instances in PS.  First was the usual two guys smoking out of a glass pipe in Occidental park which is nothing new.  Called 911 but got the usual reply.  The other was a younger thug walking around trying to make quick sales.  I was busy and could not call 911.   We will lose this neighborhood to the drug addicts unless we do something about it.  I thought possibly Twitter would be a good idea between merchants and local residences that care.  Quickly twitting a description of the crime, location and physical description we could be aware of the individuals and track their locations to inform the police.   The police need to take us more seriously and if there are enough of us calling they will take action.  Any thoughts?

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posted on Fri, May 29, 2009 04:16 PM
last updated on Fri, May 29, 2009 04:16 PM
Twitter
If you have time to twitter, you have time to report it to 9-1-1. If the Police are not informed of the crime, what do you think will happen. Are shopkeepers really going to do something about crime?

I know 9-1-1 dispatchers are a grouchy bunch, but dont let that discourage you from calling. Make them earn their paycheck. They will ask a bunch of questions, and act as if you are wasting their time, but they will log a call and let officers know of what is going on in PS. Officers will at least drive to the area, and look around for crime. If they see something, they have the ability to take action, where shopkeepers do not.

So, please don't give up on the wheels of justice just because they turn slowly. Keep making those calls and let the police try to correct the problems.

Also keep in mind the City's stance on drugs. It is a disease, the people smoking in the park are sick and need help, not jail.
Comment by chad
9 months ago
( 0 votes )
I agree
I agree and I do my best to call 911. I also agree that the city is thinking of these people as the sick rather than the sickness of our area. I am glad others are also calling 911 on these people as they are dangerous individuals when they need their fix. Take away a crack feens fix and see what hell they will raise. They will kill to get their next high and think nothing of it. So I am not one of those that cares. I would rather care for those that live in this area and care for it.
Comment by local artist
9 months ago
( 0 votes )
Using Twitter to fight crime
Actually I had the same idea and I think using twitter to help the police is an excellent idea. Not saying it should replace 911 but supplement it. Imagine a future where small pieces of information can be shared very quickly using twitter or a service like it. If the local police department had a twitter account they could follow confirmed citizens of there city and potentially get tens or hundreds of tweet alerts the second a crime occurred with tons of invaluable information.
Comment by spartan
7 months ago
( 0 votes )
RE: Using Twitter to fight crime
Please don't waste resources calling the police on someone smoking crack. Move to the suburbs instead. Thanks.
Comment by P Square res
5 months ago
( 0 votes )
Same Idea
I actually had the same thought about using Twitter to report crime. I googled the possibility and this page came up... low and behold it's in my very own area! I'd love to chat with some on you about this further and see if we can do some research and possibly get it into action in the right way. Direct Message me at @AMinnovative. Thanks!
Comment by Alex
4 months ago
( 0 votes )
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