Reply #3: it's a software program that provides two-way communication for police and their most helpful, watch [View All]

Online crime alerts a gift to be envied
Police, residents on North Side first to use the computer software others anxious to obtain
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Diana Nelson Jones,

Two months ago, the Pittsburgh Police Bureau's North Side station acquired a new weapon -- a computer-based system that lets officers alert residents to crimes, missing persons and other emergencies almost instantaneously.

At its best, the system will allow residents just as quickly to report back to police any suspicious activity on their streets. At the least, a speedy tip from a resident could cut the amount of time police spend investigating.

It's too early to attribute any arrests to public participation, said Officer Forrest Hodges of the North Side station, "but it has a promising future."

Called CitizenObserver.com, it's a software program that provides two-way communication for police and their most helpful, watchful neighborhood collaborators. The system even includes anonymous tip forms.

The system was a gift from the Northside Leadership Conference, which raised $11,000 for a two-year use. The money came from seven banks, a TV station and the North Side's two councilwomen, Tonya Payne and Darlene Harris.

"We aren't allowed to raise money," said Officer Hodges, "so the conference was our angel."

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http://www.citizenobserver.com/cov6/app/ncnews_pitt_042007.jsp

RATS!