Introduction to Crime Tracer

Communication and availability of information is of utmost importance in the fight against crime. Getting the right information to the right people at the right time results in individuals and communities being empowered to take action against criminals and even prevent criminal acts altogether.

Reliance on police services has created a weak and complacent society. The only feasible way in which to end the crime epidemic in South Africa would be through the unification of communities and a paradigm shift to where individuals are willing to proactively take action.

Crime Tracer aims to empower individuals by sharing information, that in the right hands, may be invaluable to the elimination and prevention of criminal acts.

What is Crime Tracer?

Crime Tracer is an online publically accessible and query able crime logging database with the purpose of facilitating the distribution of crime related information and awareness of criminal action taking place in South Africa.

The information stored by Crime Tracer will be in the public domain and will therefore allow any citizen, residents association, private security service or even the South African Police Service to query logged events and retrieve information which may be useful in solving a crime which has occurred or prevent criminal action altogether.

Crime Tracer will not act as a replacement for any emergency response provider and will provide the means for its users to contact the South African Police Service or any relevant emergency services.

Crime Tracer will provide various innovative and first of its kind services to achieve its goals. An advanced SMS facility utilizing a local short code number will allow any South African citizen to perform various crime related queries and get immediate responses via their cellular phone 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Crime alerts will be made public via the Crime Tracer website. Missing and wanted persons may be freely added to the Crime Tracer database and displayed to the general public.

What can Crime Tracer do?

The Crime Tracer system will facilitate the accurate capture of data related to any criminal act. This data can the later be updated, modified or queried. To better illustrate the functionality provided by this system we will use the following scenario as an example:

The Crime Tracer cartoon above demonstrates the following scenario:

• A community patrol vehicle is patrols a suburban area.
• A house break has occurred.
• Community patrol spots a suspect entering a vehicle and smses or radios in its vehicle registration number.
• Plates are checked using Crime Tracer. It is found the vehicle is wanted for previous robberies and suspicious activity.
• Community patrol informs the SAPS and works together to apprehend the criminal.

The above scenario is just a basic example of the many possible applications of the Crime Tracer system. For more information, please visit www.crimetracer.co.za.