Dutch police utilize gamification techniques to induce citizens to investigate crime
In a new article we see that dutch police inspired by the success of Pokemon Go are relying on gamification techniques to investigate and capture criminals with the help of civilians. Typically police would rely on informants at least in the United States who are either paid in cash or through a sort of barter deal where in exchange for cooperation taking down "bigger fish" the "little fish" receive a reduced sentence. In the Netherlands we are seeing an evolution or innovation where now gamification is being added in addition to the ordinary techniques that exist:
A loose translation of what Akerboom described is that citizens would photograph license plates to find out if the car is stolen via the Pokémon-inspired app Automon. If it is, then the citizen-turned-detective scores points. And if a vehicle is reported stolen, citizens in that neighborhood might also be tasked to search for that specific license plate. The more you find, the higher your score.
What are your thoughts about this? Is this a good thing? Are you comfortable with police using gamification in this way? Will police someday be using blockchains or even Steem to do decentralized global scale investigations where participants are paid in some kind of token in exchange for cooperation which they can cash in later on for reduced sentences?
Personally, I have mixed feelings about the "gamification" of solving crimes. I think it is great for the public to be involved, but at the same time I have reservations about this system because it sounds so much like "Big brother" and the "Junior Spy League". I love the "pros", but am afraid of the possibility of future "cons".
One thing I don't like about "Gamification" is that most people don't know THEY are being "gamed".
Read More, Reason More ... JTS
Good points, people must know that something is "gamified" and what it actually is that they are doing
Neat idea, gamification (is that a word?) is a great way to get people contribute to their energy to help a good cause!
Makes sense that it would follow.
There is already an app i saw in an other post for ringing friends with the touch of a button and not police (wich will be one alternative, or private companies ?).
But i definitely see that happening, people will do it for the money and for reputation, not only to reduce sentences.
Thanks for sharing
This is interesting. You know, the same approach could be taken to identify potentially stolen property on display in pawn shops and listed for sale on Craigslist.