Text Messaging has new uses

The police chief in Portland, Maine has  found a new use for text messaging. The increasing violence in the Old Port district, had local police and  bar owners questioning to keep overly intoxicated individuals off the streets. They found the answer in technology. Bar Tenders will now use a text messaging program to inform other bars of rowdy, or over intoxicated patrons that may be headed their way.

Here is how it works: A patron at Bar X has been drinking for the past 3 hours and he has become loud, abrasive, and belligerent. The bar tender refuses to serve this patron any more alcohol, and the patron is asked to leave the establishment. As this unruly patron heads to Bar Y, the bar tender or security guard sends a text message to other bars that participate in the texting program (all texts are sent to one designated phone number that all participating bars and the police have access to), warning them about the potentially dangerous customer. This same text messaging system sends a message with the patron’s description to police officers who are patrolling the area. There is even an option to capture the patron’s digital pictures, so police and security know exactly who they are looking for.

This program is called “Text a tip and pic” and Portland police and bar owners are optimistic that this text messaging system will significantly improve safety in the Old Port. Read more about this groundbreaking program here: http://www.pressherald.com/news/to-quash-rowdiness-craig-says-bars-can-send-text-warnings_2010-05-28.html

Text Messaging and the use of mobile devices are becoming more mainstream as we become more comfortable with mobile technology. We can expect to see more innovative uses of SMS or Text Messaging like this in the very near future.

What are some unique ways that youcould be using SMS or Texting? The time to start thinking about it-is NOW. Call us to discuss how texting can fit into your business plan. 800-985-9277 or e-mail Bill@mowbi.com or Jordan@mowbi.com