Textg 4 help: an evaluation of Metro Vancouver Transit Police's SMS texting program

Sherri St.Cyr

2017

In 2013, the Metro Vancouver Transit Police implemented a SMS texting program named Chatterbox that allows the public to report concerns about social disorder and criminal offences on or near the transit system. Using individual interviews with dispatchers, focus groups with police officers, an online survey with Chatterbox users, and an analysis of Transit statistics, the purpose, process, and use of the program was reviewed. Overall, Chatterbox has provided transit users with an alternative and discrete method of contacting the police to investigate a variety of criminal offences ranging from minor delinquent incidents to major criminal acts.

St.Cyr, Sherri (author)
Cohen, Irwin (thesis advisor)
McCormick, Amanda (thesis advisor)
Prevost, Amy (chair)
Dubard, Neil (committee member)
University of the Fraser Valley School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Degree granting institution)
Cohen, Irwin (committee member)
McCormick, Amanda (committee member)

University of the Fraser Valley
School of Criminology and Criminal Justice

British Columbia Vancouver Metropolitan Area

Local transit security measures
Public safety
Instant messaging
Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police Service