It seems so.
According to the LA Times, the LAPD has launched a new system that allows citizens to send anonymous crime tips via SMS. Upon sending in a tip, the user will receive a textback message assigning him an alias, which he can then use for subsequent communication with the police.
[Sidenote: I'm VERY curious to know more about these aliases... Are they awesome, like BatTracker or FrenchBulldog or JamesBondIsMyDad? Or are they totally lame, like Anon345 or User62? I must know.]
Citizen Crimefighters can send their tips to the shortcode “CRIMES” and preface their message with “LAPD” (yep, just like Wiffiti). Users will also be able to submit tips via web within the month.
Seriously, just add a digital screen to the mix to display all of these tips, and you’ve got yourself a Wiffiti Police Scanner application.
No? OK, just a thought.
Tags: Anonymous Text Message Systems, digital signage, LAPD, LocaModa, Public Safety + Text Alerts, Text Message Police Alerts, theweboutside, Wiffiti
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