On Demand cable service is mostly associated with providing viewers the programming they want, when they want it. From classic movies to yoga demonstrations, with a click of the remote virtually any kind of program is available. Now, thanks to Comcast On Demand, subscribers in 23 national markets can fight crime using their remote control.
Police Blotter On Demand is the name of an innovative public service initiative through which even the most leisure-minded, channel-surfing cable TV watcher can help law enforcement personnel track and apprehend local fugitives. More than 18 million Comcast Digital cable subscribers can go to their on demand menu for access to Police Blotter’s ever-expanding library of videos profiling fugitives in their area. Full-motion mug shots provide details on the fugitives’ past, their crimes and their possible whereabouts. Sometimes surveillance footage is available, along with interviews from witnesses and investigators assigned to the cases.
In the 23 markets where this content is currently being offered, profiles are posted regularly in partnership with local and national law enforcement agencies. Since its launch in 2006, Police Blotter has posted profiles of more than 700 fugitives.
Upwards of 90 fugitives have been caught as a result of tips from Police Blotter watchers and On Demand customers. Recently, a New Jersey woman who absconded from the New Jersey Intensive Supervision Program after being charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest turned herself in after her own family saw her on Police Blotter On Demand, called her and told her to turn herself in. Benjamin Moore, a Pittsburgh fugitive, was arrested while standing in line to order lunch. An anonymous caller reported having seen Moore’s mug shot on Comcast.
Matt Strauss, senior vice president of new media for Comcast Cable, is not surprised how successful cable crime fighting has become. “People, without getting off their couch, using their remote control, have been able to play a role in giving back to their community in providing leads that have helped these local authorities capture 90 fugitives, so it has been a phenomena and success story for us,” he said. “It’s only been encouraging and fueling our passion for continuing to deploy this and other local services across our footprint.”
Strauss said Comcast is passionate about Police Blotter because of the unique partnership between local law enforcement and viewers. “We do not charge for this. We fund it as a public service back to the community we service,” he explained. “It fosters an unspoken partnership that we’ve never experienced before. What I mean by that is, when a person watches Police Blotter, they are partnering with the police and are helping solve the crime. They’re trying to make our streets a little bit safer.”
According to Strauss, Police Blotter is a natural progression for Comcast On Demand. “The innovation really is an extension of the way we just approach the On Demand platform in general.”
When On Demand service started in 2003, it virtually revolutionized the way people watched television. “We’ve been big believers that the future of television is offering customers the ability to watch what they want, when they want it,” Strauss remarked. Early digital programming reflected that need through offering programming such as Pet Adoptions, Dating On Demand, Baby Boost and Activity TV.
Once programming with local ties became popular, it was only a matter of time before the idea of a local version of America’s Most Wanted came into play. The first city to offer Police Blotter was Philadelphia, in 2008. Of the 90 confirmed Comcast-related fugitive captures nationwide, 79 fugitives were taken into custody in the Pittsburgh area, according to Comcast and local police. Sheriff William Mullen of the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department said he thinks Police Blotter has been so successful because it empowers people to fight crime in their community without fear of retaliation from suspected criminals. “Tipsters don’t have to testify,” he noted. “There is no reward. They are completely anonymous.’’
Delaware law enforcement officials are also optimistic about the new tool they have in fighting crime. Senior Cpl. Jeff Whitmarsh of the Delaware State Police said Police Blotter is especially helpful for victims.
“From my own perspective, the other benefit that’s rarely talked about is what we’re able to do for victims now with this technology. When someone is victimized, officers work very hard to apprehend the suspect; however, what’s been difficult is to keep the victims in the loop as to the steps you’re taking to do that.” Comcast’s Police Blotter offers us a way. They can directly see by going over to their television what we’re doing to apprehend the person that victimized them. It adds a degree of empowerment for the victim. When I’m at home, I’m the one that likes to hold the remote control, because there’s a little bit of power that goes along with that, so we think when someone’s victimized and they put that remote control in their hands … it’s just a little bit of power back, and makes them feel a little bit less of a victim than maybe they once were.”
