‘wuld u txt 2 fite crime?’

Wireless Text messaging is taking on a new role as it is morphed into an effective tool to combat crime. The Wall Street Journal reported that Police are now able to obtain reports on crimes from individuals via text.

Around a dozen cities in China have established text-message crime reporting systems and the Boston Police Department adopted this crime fighting method in June. Initiating the program, “Text a Tip”, they aim to increase co-operation with police among young members of the community.

Text messaging is widely regarded as a more subtle and anonymous way for individuals to contact the police. It offers a more discreet way of delivering tips to officials rather than telephoning, the WSJ reported, citing Boston Commissioner Ed Davis.

Is the integration of socio-technological networking into a crime fighting capacity really going to have positive effects or will it just lead Police on wild goose chases due to prank tip-offs?