Digital Communications Help Protect The Public
By Jenn Gvozdek
Marketing Manager
August 27, 2018
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, apprehend persons of interest, and improve safety. From individual neighbourhoods to cities to states to the country as a whole, digital communications provide a platform for sharing real-time information on any type of screen.
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS CAN HELP PROTECT THE PUBLIC
The primary mission of law enforcement is to protect and serve, and digital communications are a powerful tool police have in their arsenal to help protect the public. For example, in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing, a partnership between the FBI and digital signage operators along the East Coast of the United States extended the bureau’s reach as far south as Washington D.C. In addition, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency joined forces 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. Similarly, digital billboards and other networked digital screens have been used to share real-time updates and important evacuation information during severe weather conditions like hurricanes, fires, blizzards and tornados.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IS A POWERFUL CRIME PREVENTION TOOL
Although digital communications can help police catch criminals after the act, they also play an essential role in helping prevent crimes and tragedies from occurring. 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 abduction cases and Silver Alerts for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, 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, fugitives, and persons of interest, time is of the essence. Since seconds often mean the difference between life and death, the real-time capabilities provided by digital technology can help prevent a crime from being committed and save lives. That’s why the FBI has been using digital communications to publicize wanted criminals, fugitives, missing persons, public safety issues, and law enforcement initiatives for over a decade. Success stores 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.
MARKETING MANAGER
Jennifer is Marketing Manager at Omnivex Corporation. She joined Omnivex in 2011 and is responsible for all aspects of marketing including strategy, communications, and execution. Jennifer has helped Omnivex redefine what digital signage is and how it can help organizations enhance and extend their two most valuable assets – people and data.
Jennifer brings 20 years of software industry marketing experience. She has held numerous marketing positions at software companies including PeopleSoft, Longview Solutions, and Microsoft. Prior to joining Omnivex, Jennifer was the Industry Marketing Manager for Microsoft Dynamics in Canada.
