Knight Ridder article focuses on camera phone as "crime-solving tool"

Knight Ridder news service today published an article emphasizing how camera phones can be used to provide evidence of criminal wrong-doings. The article was written by Sarah Bahari, a reporter from the Fort Worth, Texas Star-Telegram and published all over the place, such as in the Mississippi Sun Herald.

(Interestingly, I don't think the Star-Telegram will post the story until tomorrow (Friday). Update: The story is highlighted today (Friday) on the front page of the Star-Telegram's Web site.

The article leads with a report about a Fort Worth man who used his camera phone to photograph a thief in his garage.

Caught on camera

The article says, "When Wade Spradlin [see below] caught a thief in his garage on a recent afternoon, he knew that he needed some sure-fire evidence. He dug in his pants pocket, pulled out his cellphone and snapped two pictures of the man -- even before dialing 911.

"'I thought, `Well, if he gets away, at least I'll know what he looks like,' said Spradlin, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas. 'The camera phone actually paid off.'"

Spradlin wrestled the man to the ground and waited until the police arrived. He later e-mailed the photos to the police. The photos were fuzzy, but the the thief could be identified.

Think before you "shoot"

There's a good quote from a Fort Worth police officer who says, "'If a guy comes in with a gun, don't sit there pointing your camera,' Fort Worth police Sgt. Jim Lankford said. 'We'd rather have a live witness as opposed to a dead person with a phone full of pictures.'"

I can see myself in a similar situation -- snapping away until the bullet hits me!

The article also discusses some of the negative aspects of camera phones but, overall, the report is positive.

Camera phone tips

The article quotes the writer of this Weblog and also includes facts about and tips for using camera phones.