NYC Upgrades 911 System To Capture Photo Evidence

In the case of 911 images, the operator will enter a special code into the computer system, indicating photos are available. That coded entry into the communications system automatically alerts the Real Time Crime Center and provides the 911 caller's phone number. A detective will contact the caller soon and provide a Real Time Crime Center address to which the photograph or video may be sent.

The images may be shared widely with the public, with police officers on patrol, individual detectives or other law enforcement agencies. They may also be used in connection with the Real Time Crime Center's data mining and link analysis capacity to identify and locate suspects.

"By upgrading 911 and 311 to accept photos and video, we are bringing government accountability - and crime-fighting - to a whole new level," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a statement. "If your cell phone is equipped with a camera - and many are these days - you might be able to get a picture of something that will help the police solve a crime."

Similarly, pictures and videos can be sent from computers, Web-enabled cell phones and PDAs to accompany certain 311 quality-of-life complaints. Up to three photos or videos per service request may be sent by logging onto nyc.gov. Examples of complaints that can be reported through the new system are: potholes; damaged or missing traffic signs; dirty vacant lot complaints; street and sidewalk problems; parking meter, bus stop shelter or parking facility issues; maintenance of city parks; unkempt public pay telephones.

According to City Hall, the New York City Police Department receives approximately 11 million 911 calls annually and the 311 Customer Service Center receives approximately 15 million calls each year.