In the movies, every hero needs a partner to help them fight crime. It’s no different in real life! But rather than calling upon a single costumed crusader, law enforcement and government officials increasingly depend on digital communications. Digital display technology helps distribute updates, alerts, and critical information to the public to help prevent crime and improve safety. From individual neighborhoods to states to the entire country, digital communications provide a platform for sharing real-time information on any screen.
Digital Communications Can Help Protect the Public
The primary mission of law enforcement is to protect and serve. Digital communications are a powerful tool police have in their arsenal to help protect the public. In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing a partnership between the FBI and digital signage operators along the East Coast extended the bureau’s reach to Washington D.C. Additionally, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency worked with Clear Channel Outdoor to broadcast public safety messages on seven digital billboards along major highways in the Boston area, helping keep the public out of harm’s way. Digital billboards and networked digital screens are also used to share real-time updates and important evacuation information during severe weather conditions like hurricanes and tornadoes.
Digital Technology is a Powerful Crime Prevention Tool
Although digital communications help police catch criminals after the act, they also play an essential role in helping prevent crimes and tragedies. Public service organizations are increasingly harnessing the power of digital communication to inform and educate the public. Recent public awareness campaigns have included texting and driving, speeding, and vandalism. In addition, digital communications are used to rapidly issue AMBER Alerts for child abductions and Silver Alerts for seniors suffering from Alzheimers or other mental disabilities who have gone missing.
The FBI Depends on Digital Communications to Help Locate Their Most Wanted
Every law enforcement officer knows that when it comes to locating and catching criminal suspects time is of the essence. Seconds mean the difference between life and death. The real-time capabilities provided by digital technology can help prevent crime and save lives. For over a decade, the FBI has been using digital communications to publicize wanted criminals, missing persons, and public safety issues. Success stories are not limited to the FBI, however. News stories of digital technologies helping local law enforcement, the private sector, and the public work together to bring criminals to justice are becoming more common in the information age.
