I go out running alone a lot and watch too much Law & Order: SVU for my own good so I'm always thinking about how I'd be able to get to my cell phone to call 911 from the trunk of a speeding car. Crazy, but true. That's why this advancement from the New York City emergency line is a pretty useful piece of safety technology. The 911 line is now equipped to receive texts, cell phone pictures, and video as calls of distress.
While other cities are already able to accept texts (this I didn't know!) officials say they believe that New York is the first city with the image capabilities. Mayor Bloomberg had this to say about it: "This technology should put a scare into every would-be criminal because the chances of getting caught in the act is now better than ever." Not to mention the increased accuracy in providing descriptions — how often have 911 operators heard, "um, he's a guy with brown hair?" Now they'll be able to see him. By next year, callers' images will be made available to patrol cars and will be accepted as evidence.
The cost of the upgrade? A mere 18 months and $250,000. Since crime in New York is down 3 percent, it seems like a smart investment — and more security than either Stabler or Benson could provide.
Chantelle
WOW! I've thought, since cell phone cameras became as good as digital cameras were a few years ago, that this would be the next wave of crime fighting. I'm glad it's finally happening!
1That's pretty cool.
2AMAZING! I hope more cities will do this!
3That's amazing, especially the texting part.
4nice. I never take my cell phone on a run though.
5So now NYC can text you back to say: "Please Hold. Someone will be with you in 4 to 6 hours..."
6Nice.
7I love my SVU too! This sounds cool, I love it!
8FINALLY law enforcement catches up with the guys on "the wire"
9I think that pretty cool actually -- I hope Cali follows.
10Considering I can pretty much send a text message without actually looking at my phone (talented, I know!), I think this is a great idea! I agree Dream, hopefully Ca can implement this.
11I believe on an episode of 'I survived' (true stories) there was a girl who was stuffed into the trunk of her car when she was leaving a bar so she called 911 on her cell phone. Unfortunately, the guy who put her in there could here her talking to someone and asked who she was talking to and she said she was praying. They couldn't pinpoint where she was, but were able to search the area with a helicoptor and they told her to let them know when she could hear them, by then he had parked the car and left, but they did find her. It was really an interesting story. I don't remember what state it was, but obviously one that doesn't have the technology to pinpoint exactly a location.
12Jazz I love that show!
13Jazz that's such a neat story, thanks for sharing!
This is a great idea. LA should implement it for sure.
14Me too!! I just wish they would quit playing reruns and make some more. Did you see the one I was talking about?
15here = hear on [12]
16I think I've pretty much watched them all. I remember that episode. Basically what I do the entire hour is make this face
And if the victims weren't actually telling the story, I'd swear they were dead.
17blues..
I know those stories are incredible. Who would have thought you could be raped, shot three times and could still run naked across a field to safety.
18I think I better clarify that I'm not laughing at the stories but the expression of your emotion reminded me of what my own face must look like when watching those shows.
19It's amazing. I seriously don't know how some of the people live through the situations they're faced with.
20i think that it's really important to have this technology. i can honestly say that even if it's not about getting a criminal - if you're calling 911 because of an accident and you don't know where you are - youc an take a picture of things that are around you if there are buildings or street signs or anything, and hopefully you can be found and helped that much faster. it's a great thing - and it's just another sign of the changing times.
21Awesome now i can report with proof
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