Crime data - when digital - is an unlimited public resource

Crime data is an unlimited public resource when digitized. 

SpotCrime.com

Through the power of the Internet we all can look at digital data, and share it with one another at no cost.  For example, social media.  We can share whatever we want whenever we want through digital channels like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn for free

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If a police department chooses to turn the unlimited resource of digital public crime data into a finite resource by giving a single entity the right to control and regulate the data, then the public should share in the value created by turning that unlimited resource into a monopolized resource.

Just like a utility company is regulated, a company with sole control over public data should also be regulated.

A more optimal solution for the public, and arguably greater value to the whole of society, would be to release the data unrestricted to everyone - providing equal and fair access to all and increasing the probability that more people will be informed about crime, and increasing the probability that crime will be reduced. This solution typically has a much lower cost and a much higher impact to public good.  It would allow the public to share whatever they want (i.e. crime data and information for community watch efforts), whenever they want for free (free means no tax dollars are spent on sharing). 

Example of SpotCrime being shared with a community in Atlanta at no cost to the community!

Don't see your city on the map?  Contact your local police department and ask them to send data to SpotCrime.  If they send us data, we will map it and send alerts for free.  Stay aware, stay safe.