HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7217 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7217
16. 10 September 15 1987
�fl44aer,�� To the Mayor and Members of the City Council p
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Subject: CRIME WATCH VOICE MAIL UPDATE
Hers
Over the past three months, City staff has been working with
representatives of the Meadowbrook Crime Watch Association (MCWA), GTE, and
Octel Communications to determine the feasibility of using voice mail
technology for crime watch applications.
A key feature of crime watch programs is the increased ability of citizens
to communicate with each other and with appropriate public safety officals
regarding criminal activity in their areas. The introduction of voice mail
technology can increase the communication efficiency between:
a.) crime watch block captains,
b.) block captains and their neighbors, and,
c.) the police department and crime watch groups.
Because there are many variables which must be assessed before introducing
a new system into an existing program, we have arranged for the actual
testing of voice mail technology with two crime watch groups.
On September 15, 1987 GTE will begin the first of three training sessions
for over 135 block captains of the MCWA. The Meadowbrook Crime Watch
Association will consitute test group A. The second test group will consist
of a group of downtown businesses interested in developing a downtown
business watch group. The data collected during the 45 day test period
will allow us to determine operational difficulties and volume patterns
prior to initiating a city-wide program.
These tests will also assist staff in estimating system loading factors for
the configuration of a system capable of expansion to a city-wide voice
mail crime watch effort.
It is believed that a city wide crime watch effort using voice mail
technology would be a "first" for any city in the United States. If these
tests demonstrate that the voice mail technology can effectively enhance
the existing crime watch function, staff will ask Council's direction
regarding the next appropriate steps. Staff believes that it is possible
that either of the two vendors assisting in the test phase of this project,
may contribute the necessary system hardware. If the necessary system
hardware is not donated, staff would suggest approaching local businesses
and foundations for project sponsorship.
If you would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact
me.
Douglas Harman
City Manager
ISSLIED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS----�—