BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SpotCrime - the most visited crime mapping website and most comprehensive online source for crime data - is introducing SpotCrime Catapult, a free software solution that allows police departments worldwide to make their crime data public.
SpotCrime Catapult enables any police department to export public crime data from their records management system. SpotCrime is also offering any police department up to $2,000 over the next six months to help implement the software. The offer is subject to more detailed terms and conditions set forth here http://bit.ly/131j4xg.
“With open data initiatives rolling out everywhere, SpotCrime wants to make it easy for police departments to release their crime data,” says SpotCrime Founder and President Colin Drane. “We understand the budget constraints facing police departments, which is why we are offering this software for free.”
In true open data spirit, SpotCrime will not take any ownership of the program once it is installed, nor will the company request exclusive access to the program. “The only thing SpotCrime asks is that the data pulled by Catapult be made available to everyone,” notes Drane.
Open data creates a level of transparency with residents and public officials, increasing trust and accountability. “SpotCrime is a strong proponent of open access to data,” Drane continues. “The easier it is for a community to access and share crime data, the higher the chance that community will be proactive in the fight against crime.”
SpotCrime currently sends email alerts to over half-a-million subscribers and anticipates sending 95 million email alerts in 2013. SpotCrime estimates more than 10 million people interact with the crime data the company generates monthly.
SpotCrime has attracted numerous subscribers through its partnerships with major media companies, including Gannett, Sinclair, and Belo Television. SpotCrime has also seen its use skyrocket on DIRECTV, where SpotCrime’s TV App is the fastest growing application offered.
In addition, SpotCrime’s iPhone application allows users to obtain detailed crime descriptions and share crime incidents with others via email.
“SpotCrime does not take public funding and has no interest in locking up data,” explains Drane. “SpotCrime’s intent is to get relevant crime information to the public, driving both greater awareness and new measures that lead to crime reduction.”
For more information, email catapult@spotcrime.com or call 619-663-7768.