My local transportation authority launches an app to report crimes and other issues.

[Martele]

Very cool. Haven't heard of this yet.

[img]http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/610/img/photos/2013/03/29/43/63/MARTAapp.jpg[/img]

[quote]MARTA wants to use the power of smartphones and a new app to empower their riders.

The new app, See & Say, is now available for Android and iPhone users. It can connect anyone with MARTA police or customer service.

Sgt. Astin Greene of the MARTA police told Channel 2's Ryan Young the app will hopefully encourage more people to report any strange activities.

"It's a priceless addition to our security. It gives customers a chance to send MARTA police a message about anything they see it will give us a better chance to provide customer service and improve safety on buses or the train," said Greene.

MARTA rider Letita Jolly told Young if the app helps with service, she's in.

"Great idea. Anytime you can better the service when you make it easier someone going to listen to you," Jolly said.

The app makes it easy for anyone to send notes to police or MARTA about graffiti, lighting, or more importantly, an emergency issue.[/quote]

[url]http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/marta-launches-app-report-crimes/nW7mG/[/url]

[OogalaBoogal]

I knew NYC came up with a similar system for reporting potholes, its a really good idea.

[MR-X]

[QUOTE=Retardation;40107545]what happens when someone decides to be a twat and abuse the service to make false reports[/QUOTE]

Abuse of emergency systems charges. Nothing has really change in regards to filing complainants or contacting police, its just on an app. Same rules/laws apply.

[carcarcargo]

[QUOTE=Retardation;40107545]what happens when someone decides to be a twat and abuse the service to make false reports[/QUOTE]

That's like complaining about calling 999/911 because people might abuse it.

[MR-X]

[QUOTE=Retardation;40107646]the problem is there is a far greater chance of someone abusing this system because it doesn't require you actually calling the police which makes it more convenient for, say, teenagers to falsely report shit en-masse to 'see what happens'.[/QUOTE]

And? you're over thinking it. There are many text/app/online 911/emergency services, this isn't the first of its kind. They work fine, most people have common sense not to fuck around. The ones that don't get in trouble, so it isn't that big of a deal.

[Worldwaker]

[QUOTE=Retardation;40107545]what happens when someone decides to be a twat and abuse the service to make false reports[/QUOTE]

What happens is that the popo no longer have to pad their crime stats due to the sheer amount of arrests it would bring, as you're reporting it on a phone either registered to your name, or at least screaming your location in the process.

[FFStudios]

They did this in Boston with the DPW; report a problem, and the DPW will come out to take a look.