Thanks again to Digiactive.org, I have learned that one of the oldest and most influential civil rights organizations has become technologically and digitally savvy to further its cause. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has taken advice from African American bloggers, who have been complaining of the organization’s lack of online media, an inability to engage constituents with their agenda because of it.
As of last week, the NAACP has launched a new Rapid Response System through its website. Described as a “quick, effective way for citizens to report instances of police misconduct,” this new tool aims to aid public safety officials and move beyond the ‘tough on crime’ policies that no longer seem effective.
Rapid Response System Users can send emails, text messages and video reports of police abuse to the NAACP by mobile phone or a web form that can found its website. Users have the option of saying what type of incident happened to them, (i.e. brutality, false arrest), what law enforcement agency was involved and what was the reason behind the incident.
So, how helpful will this tool be? Well, if the tool is used as proposed, I see great potential for:
- Increasing public awareness of civil injustices caused by law enforcement.
- Aiding under served and vulnerable populations.
- Forcing behavior change among law enforcement agencies.
- Increasing public safety.
- Increasing knowledge and support of the NAACP within younger, more tech savvy generations.
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