More Mobile Sousveillance

We've had some debate, both after the recent London attempted bombings and about a week before about the term "sousveillance", and whether it (or "coveillance" or perhaps "equiveillance") is appropriate for people keeping an eye on each other, particularly at the police's behest.

Whatever term we decide on, it's going to become much more common: Emily at Picturephoning posts today how police are asking people in two towns in England to report antisocial behavior via MMS. They're looking for documentation of graffiti, vandalism and so on so they know where to focus their resources. They emphasize, however, they're not looking for people to get themselves into trouble by trying to catch people in the act, but rather the aftermath and damage done.

Youview, the company powering the service, hopes to use these towns as a proving ground, then roll it out for the other 400 or so Anti-Social Behavior police units in England and Wales. I'll offer two pieces of usability advice to help them achieve that: first, get an easily remembered short code rather than using "07739 888 558" -- it's doubtful that all but the biggest supporters will add that to their contacts. Second, find a way to make sending the MMS free -- while the cost is 25p or less, that's still going to hold down the number of people sending in messages. While the mobile phone does make this sort of thing easy, it's important to take it a step further and make it even easier for the user.

Image courtesy Hastings Borough Council

Comments

[Paul Whitaker]

Can you imagine catching some guy and his friends with your camera phone vandalizing something in a dark alley only to have your flash go off. I would rather have a picture of the look on your face when that happens. That would suck!