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AP Photo/John Minchillo

New York police begin testing Google Glass as crime-fighting tool

The wearable device is being used by police officers to see if it has any use in law enforcement.

THE NEW YORK City Police Department is currently beta-testing Google Glass to see if it could help it in investigations and patrols.

A ranking New York City law enforcement official told VentureBeat that the department had received numerous pairs from Google’s beta program and are using them to see what use they would have in law enforcement.

“We signed up, got a few pairs of the Google glasses, and we’re trying them out, seeing if they have any value in investigations, mostly for patrol purposes… We’re looking at them, you know, seeing how they work.”

Google Glass could potentially help speed up the process of investigations as it would allow officers to search through a database or bring up warrant checks while working. However, the issue of privacy surrounding wearable devices like Glass would arise if it ever became a tool for law enforcement.

Currently, the device is only available through the Glass Explorer Program and will cost those interested in taking part €1,100. Purchasing support prescription lenses would add an additional €165 on top of the optician’s charge to make and fit lenses.

The device has been used for other emergency services. A firefighter from North Carolina, Patrick Jackson, developed a Google Glass app which allows firefighters access to vital information when working. Through it, firefighters can look up the map of a burning building, as well as the locations of nearby fire hydrants.

(Video: Google Glass/YouTube)

Read: Google hacks together mini-games to show off Glass’ potential >

Read: Government considers banning drivers from wearing Google Glass >

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14 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conn Rogers
    Favourite Conn Rogers
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    May 28th 2015, 12:44 PM

    Expected battery life: 4 minutes

    285
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deco James Connolly
    Favourite Deco James Connolly
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    May 28th 2015, 1:14 PM

    That long ! Sign me up.

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MadMax
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    May 28th 2015, 2:37 PM

    About she same time as my iPhone then

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran Farrell
    Favourite Ciaran Farrell
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    May 28th 2015, 12:44 PM

    Any chance they could just develop stronger batteries for smartphones.

    116
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute IrishGravyTrain
    Favourite IrishGravyTrain
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    May 28th 2015, 2:02 PM

    Why would they do that. They need that battery to run its course after a couple of years to sell you a new phone.

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Descolada
    Favourite The Descolada
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    May 28th 2015, 12:48 PM

    Bet the japanese are already figuring out how to use it with porn

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute IrishGravyTrain
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    May 28th 2015, 2:03 PM

    Japanese. Be one of the first things most men anywhere in the world would do.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute stewie
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    May 28th 2015, 1:39 PM

    it feels like only yesterday that having Snake or Tetris on your phone was the height of technology.Im getting old.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Reese
    Favourite John Reese
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    May 28th 2015, 1:38 PM

    Battery life is THE issue on phones these days. The man or company that comes up with a solution will be rich.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran Farrell
    Favourite Ciaran Farrell
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    May 28th 2015, 1:53 PM

    The Duracell Bunny has been strangely quiet this last while. Must be hard at work in R&D

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Raymond Power
    Favourite Raymond Power
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    May 28th 2015, 1:41 PM

    Seems the sci fi movies of 30 years ago are truly upon us.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Matthew Donoghue
    Favourite Matthew Donoghue
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    May 28th 2015, 3:10 PM

    Where’s all the hoverboards???

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran Farrell
    Favourite Ciaran Farrell
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    May 28th 2015, 6:18 PM
    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute JustAoife
    Favourite JustAoife
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    May 28th 2015, 12:41 PM

    That was (falsely) leaked as a feature of the iPhone 5 a couple of years back. Thought it was just as pointless then as it is now

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute JustAoife
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    May 28th 2015, 3:08 PM
    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deborah Behan
    Favourite Deborah Behan
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    May 28th 2015, 12:59 PM

    WANT!!!!

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran Farrell
    Favourite Ciaran Farrell
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    May 28th 2015, 1:10 PM

    Deborah.. The phone or Pontious’ suggestion?

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deborah Behan
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    May 28th 2015, 9:24 PM

    Eaney meaney miney mo!!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Doyle
    Favourite John Doyle
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    May 28th 2015, 1:17 PM

    Probably be full of bloatware. Click Advert to use keyboard or something stupid like that.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
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    May 28th 2015, 3:19 PM

    I’m guessing you’re a “glass half empty” type of guy. Am I right?

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Adrian Bollard
    Favourite Adrian Bollard
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    May 28th 2015, 4:56 PM

    The future is nigh…

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aaron Brady
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    May 28th 2015, 3:33 PM

    Looks good, but lenovo are stuck on mid range phones, screen doesn’t look anywhere near a 5 inch, also doesn’t even look like it’s 1080o

    1
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    Mute Pete Gibson
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    May 28th 2015, 10:45 PM

    Re: The usage of “cause” here.
    When the word “because” is abbreviated it is normally spelt as ‘cos.
    (This is ‘cos the words because and cause have completely different meanings)

    1
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    Mute SCO Electrical
    Favourite SCO Electrical
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    May 28th 2015, 6:42 PM

    Class

    1
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    Mute Sam McCormack
    Favourite Sam McCormack
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    May 28th 2015, 11:19 PM

    Like the HP Sprout then.

    1
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