Handset messaging has been widely adopted as a great way to share information with friends and family, get news on where to go, what to do and what to buy – or for voting people on and off television programs. It has also become an important part of everyday business communication. Public sector services around the UK are now using messaging to make life easier for its citizens – and for the services themselves.
People can report offences to police using SMS, giving the police extra pairs of ears and eyes in their fight against crime. The service works both ways, since police can also notify Neighborhood Watch coordinators, of ongoing criminal activity for example, via a text message which can then be passed on to other members.
Text messaging to the public can also be a lifesaver when a child goes missing. Experts say that the chances of finding a snatched child alive are significantly higher if he or she is found within the first three to six hours. Alerts sent via SMS to locals asking for help are one of the fastest ways to get such a vital message out.
The Emergency Text Service is an innovative tool for people with hearing and speech impairments. It is specifically designed for those who cannot make emergency calls. They simply enter the required service, name, location, a note of their disability and the details of what is happening. Then they can wait for a reply to the message, remain at the location if it safe, give help if possible and wait for emergency services to arrive.
Text messaging has even proved a success when hitting back at hoax callers. Birmingham Fire Service got tired of false alarms, so it now texts pranksters this message: "U have made a hoax call 2 emergency services. If you do it again, U will B cut off". The number of bogus calls has been reduced from 50 per month to just three. And some people even send back an apology, which is always appreciated.
The SMS boom is not only bringing people together, but also creating closer ties between vital community organizations and the people who need them.
Source: Case study "Using SMS for SMS and cracking down on crime" by The Mobile Data Association (MDA).
