Staff Reports
Jacksonville streets are poised to be safer soon, given a partnership between rideshare giant Uber and First Coast Crime Stoppers to encourage reporting of crimes.
Per an Uber media release Monday, “Drivers in Jacksonville received a message today announcing the new partnership and also providing the details to report potential crime to the First Coast Crime Stoppers hotline and online portal.”
This pilot program is being rolled out initially in five cities, with Jacksonville being the sole Florida trial market. Atlanta, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Indianapolis comprise the others.
“This partnership is the result of Uber listening to the communities we serve. Uber has invested in a global team of former law enforcement professionals, response team specialists, and an online portal for law enforcement use only,” said Mike Sullivan, Uber’s head of Global Law Enforcement Operations. “These components work together to inform, cooperate with, and respond to law enforcement’s investigative needs.”
“Crime Stoppers USA looks forward to working with Uber and driver-partners. The partnership will empower Uber driver-partners with information to report suspected criminal activity anonymously with a focus on human trafficking as well as other crimes,” said Barb Bergin, Chair, Crime Stoppers USA.
Jacksonville policy makers have focused on human trafficking in recent years, as the problem has become more prominent in the media.
Action News Jax reported this year that 66 identified victims of human trafficking were rescued in 2017. More resources have been devoted to combatting the issue, including increased prosecution of traffickers and public education as far as what to look for.
The Uber/Crime Stoppers alliance, in this context, will be another tool in the toolbox
