[Mpls] Police Cameras Deluxe

[Michael Atherton]

Here's a suggestion that might put the Minneapolis Police
Department at the forefront of law enforcement technology
with little cost.

I was thinking about how I'd like my cell phone to double
as a GPS (since it already has a GPS chip).  I checked
and as it turns out the Feds are already requiring cell
companies to allow police to locate cell phone callers
in emergencies and there is software that allows you to
locate your own position using your cell phone.

Ok, so I'm thinking what if I see a crime in progress,
an accident, a medical emergency, or a fire I snap a 
picture and send it to 911 via video messaging.  It 
would allow the police to instantly locate a crime scene 
and possibly provide evidence for a later court case.
Not only that, but if the resolution was high enough
it would provide suspect information that could be
relayed to officers in the field almost instantaneously.
And all this requires is existing cell phone technology,
a publicity campaign to elicit public participation, and
some initiative on the part of someone in the PD to get
it all rolling.

Not to mention that if you're being robbed or kidnapped
and you manage to snap and send a picture it'd provide
better protection than a gun. 

Ok, it's such a great idea that everyone has already 
thought of it... right?  Or, there are some major pit falls
that I haven't considered (such as cell phone bandwidth, etc.).

Michael Atherton
Prospect Park