I8ABMR

D.C. police chief Cathy Lanier, frustrated that iPhone technology is one step ahead of the red-light and speed cameras in her jurisdiction, has announced that those who use their hand-held electronic devices are "cowardly" and "...are going to get caught" in one way or another.

The subscription-based software that has Lanier shaking her fists and blurting out names is called PhantomAlert. In a nutshell, its GPS-enhanced database of law enforcement "points of interest" mimics alarms similar to those common to radar detectors (remember, radar detectors are already illegal in Virginia and D.C.). Drivers are alerted to approaching speed traps and photo enforcing locations on in their iPhone, or portable GPS units, enabling them time to slow down.

Not surprising when you consider that the greater D.C. area is home to nearly 10 percent of all traffic cameras in the U.S., according to experts. Chief Lanier is frustrated that the innovative technology is "designed to circumvent law enforcement -- law enforcement that is designed specifically to save lives." What Lanier seems to be forgetting is that attentive drivers using PhantomAlert will be slowing down at all 290 enforcement zones... saving countless lives in the process.

Faymester

What a stupid thing to say; I find law enforcement people say these types of things when they have absolutely no idea what to do about something that completely squashes their efforts to nab you doing something they would prefer you not do.

KILLERGS4

cowardly??? Smart is more like it...

TCM55

That has to be the most important point made in the article. The goal of red cameras and speed traps is to reduce speeding. If the iphone app aids in that process, then it is actually beneficially to the safety of everyone. I think there is irritation just because this leads to less revenue from these speed/red light devices.

f=ma

No...the goal of speed traps is to increase revenue for BIG BROTHER....

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Looks like someone wont be paid as much

LexBob2

These cameras are every bit as much about revenue as they are about safety.

Jewcano

iTrader: (4)

She want's to talk about cowardly? How about how cops sit in the bushes pulling people over or sit on the sides of roads pulling people over instead of doing their job and saving lives or stopping criminals. Which one is more cowardly?

LexLaw

Dead On!!! I don't even know where to start with this one.

IS-SV

That's been proven. I agree.

mmarshall

Like you say, it's about BOTH. If it were ONLY revenue-oriented (as many people falsely believe), the cops wouldn't be that concerned with them, since it isn't their job to bring in revenue, but to increase safety.

mmarshall

See my answer to LexBob2:

mmarshall

Apparantly, then, you guys are agreeing that, all else equal, lower speeds often saves lives.

You are correct.

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

That was the first thing that popped in my head too

I8ABMR

I think the fact that she called them cowardly just means she is pissed because it works.