Washington, D.C. Launches Crime Text Alerting System For Local Businesses

The District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced recently the launch of DC Police Alert, which enables the MPD to send crime alert text messages in real-time to businesses about crimes committed in their neighborhood.

Through the Roam Secure Alert Network (RSAN), the MPD are able to send real-time crime information via e-mail and text messages to cell phones, Blackberry, pagers and other devices to businesses to help deter crime and catch criminals.

RSAN is a product of Roam Secure, Inc., DBA Cooper Notification.

To be aware of crimes and help protect their organization, business owners and employees can subscribe to DC Police Alert for free at http://72hours.dc.gov by submitting their contact information and registering their business address. The 72hours.dc.gov website provides one-stop shopping for preparedness information and is the site to sign up for Alert DC emergency and DC Police Alert messages. Once on the site, users can click on the Alert DC logo and register for the program.

When a crime is reported in their area, MPD officers will send a text message via e-mail and cell phones to participating businesses, alerting them that a crime has been committed and providing them with a description of the alleged perpetrator. Business users should call 911 with relevant follow up information.

“This is part of a collaborative effort to proactively engage the community by giving them real time information about what is happening in their neighborhoods,” said Chief of Police Cathy Lanier.

DC Police Alert messages can include information about robberies, assaults, shoplifting, missing persons, auto theft and violent crime. Details of a crime can be difficult to ascertain at first glance; follow-up messages will be sent to provide additional details such as the physical description of the assailant and when and where they were last seen.

DC Police Alert is part of the RSAN citizen warning system, Alert DC, which was launched in 2002 to communicate real-time emergency information to first responders and the public. The crime text alerting system was initially part of a pilot program that was launched in September of 2007 as a joint venture between HSEMA, MPD, the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID), the Gateway Main Street program and the Georgetown Business Improvement District.

“When a local business was robbed and police were only able to canvass surrounding businesses three days after the event, a group of us, including local leaders and business owners, decided we needed to develop a method to help stop crime,” said Nick Wasylczuk, owner of Just Paper & Tea.

The group recognized the potential to expand the use of Alert DC by sending text alerts about criminal activity to the local business community, advising them of the event and asking for any information that could help police in the investigation.

“Now the process takes minutes, not days,” Wasylczuk said. “It provides us with the opportunity to protect our business and keep our eyes open for any information that can be passed along to police.”

“Emergency and public safety officials are now expanding how they use their RSAN emergency notification systems to help reduce crime,“ said David Drescher, general manager, Roam Secure DBA Cooper Notification. “By using RSAN as its real-time crime alerting platform, combined with Cooper Notification’s consulting expertise supporting the program, MPD is immediately putting thousands of additional eyes and ears on the streets looking for suspects today.”

Featured

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.