Using Facebook to stop crime

The state is always looking for ways to cut costs and save money, and often ideas come from the most unlikely sources. Take the text messaging tips for example. That probably came from some officer or higher up whose kid's text messaging habit resulted in a huge phone bill one day.

Here is a similar technological idea that could be used to identify potential threats: Use Facebook. The police in New Zealand are experimenting with the idea with some immediate success; it may be something the Wilmington or other city departments (or state) looks into. Cost to the budget: $0.

Tags: facebook, police using facebook

Another solution to the current budget price: a gas surcharge on speeding tickets

I fully admit that this idea is an adaptation of an article in today's USA today which reports that some cities (Atlanta in particular) are adding a $10-15 gas surcharge for motorists convicted of speeding. I think this is a great idea. You already have to pay court costs, various compensation fund costs, and other costs to the state, what's another $10-15 on top of $150 or so? I'm not sure how much revenue this sort of plan would actually generate, but I think it's a way to basically stick it to those who break the law and are caught.

There are probably other disincentives and options with regard to this idea that can be more fully explored in committee. But as a revenue generator, this sort of plan (if at the very least, can help alleviate some of the state/city budgets paying for troopers to run their car and enforce the law.

Tags: charging a gas surcharge on traffic tickets