By integrating technology, legal oversight, and community engagement, GoVia: Highlight a Hero (A Community Police Safety App) redefines public safety by fostering transparency and trust. Below, we explore how diverse stakeholders interface with the platform, supported by innovative features and legal frameworks.
Stakeholder Interfaces & Key Features
1. Law Offices: “Stop Losing Cases – Live Attorney Access
GoVia’s real-time attorney connection via Zoom-like video chat allows lawyers to intervene during police encounters, ensuring procedural compliance and reducing civil rights violations. Attorneys can document interactions, provide immediate legal advice, and submit affidavits as evidence 48. As Thurgood Marshall once said, “In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.” This feature empowers attorneys to uphold due process while mitigating risks of misconduct. If the client commits a crime in-front of the attorney the officer can subpoena the attorney because of it.
2. Mental Health Agencies: Trauma-Informed Support
Mental health professionals join live interactions to de-escalate crises, particularly for individuals with PTSD or disabilities. HIPAA-compliant E-Document signing ensures secure communication, while GPS check-ins monitor high-risk clients post-interaction 58. This aligns with GoVia’s mission to address systemic gaps highlighted in cases like Estate of Robert Ethan Saylor 4.
3. Police Forces: Highlight a Hero Algorithm
The AI-driven algorithm scans data for exemplary conduct (e.g., de-escalation, community outreach) and pairs it with community nominations. Officers like Michael (Ohio) and Jessica (national disaster responder) are spotlighted, boosting morale and public trust 29. Performance metrics integrate with departmental databases, balancing qualitative stories with objective data 2.
4. Social Justice Non-Profits: True Justice Watch Platform
Non-profits use GoVia’s moderated forums to organize events, share resources, and amplify success stories. The “True Justice Watch” feature allows verified feedback to influence policy reform, addressing patterns like racial profiling (minorities are 2.5x more likely to be searched during stops) 14.
5. Courts & Probation Officers: Integrated Management Tools
Automated court reminders reduce FTA rates by 30%, while forfeiture tracking and E-Document signing streamline case management. Bodycam and traffic cam footage is subpoenaed directly through the app, ensuring discovery compliance 813.
6. Defendants & Communities: 24/7 Reentry Monitoring
GPS check-ins and arrest alerts help probation officers track reentry clients. Community members submit affidavits to rate interactions, creating a crowdsourced accountability layer 814.
Three Innovative Solutions for Systemic Impact
Solution 1: Community-Driven Recognition (Hybrid Model)
- Strengths: Combines peer-reviewed testimonials with performance data, fostering trust and engagement 2.
- Weaknesses: Requires robust moderation to prevent bias.
- Resource Demand: High (IT integration, stakeholder coordination).
- Success Probability: 80% with pilot testing 2.
Solution 2: Attorney-Witness Legal Framework
- Strengths: Deters misconduct via real-time attorney testimony, overcoming qualified immunity overcoming “full” qualified immunity 4.
- Weaknesses: Ethical conflicts under ABA Rule 3.7; requires legislative support 4.
- Resource Demand: Moderate (training, legal partnerships).
- Success Probability: 60% without policy reforms 4. Working with Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s office to change the law to have citizens pre-approved before the encounter.
Solution 3: Predictive Analytics for Risk Mitigation
- Strengths: AI predicts high-risk interactions using historical data (e.g., excessive force in 41% of cases 14).
- Weaknesses: Privacy concerns and data accuracy challenges. Cyber security addresses these issues but also the citizens are gaining better policing.
- Resource Demand: High (AI development, data partnerships).
- Success Probability: 70% with encryption safeguards 7.
Ranking & Recommendations
- Hybrid Model – Highest impact, balancing objectivity and community voice 2.
- Predictive Analytics – Proactive but needs legal buy-in.
- Attorney-Witness Model – High potential but ethically complex.
Refinements:
- Combine predictive analytics with the hybrid model for risk-aware recognition.
- Pilot in cities with consent decrees (e.g., Cleveland, Chicago) to test scalability 14.
Next Steps:
- Partner with ACLU and police unions for stakeholder alignment.
- Secure funding via seed grants and CSR partnerships 57.
Legal & Ethical Foundations
- Graham v. Connor (1989): Supports GoVia’s use of “objective reasonableness” in evaluating force 24.
- Terry v. Ohio (1968): Validates community-oriented policing strategies 2.
“Justice is never given; it is exacted.” – A. Philip Randolph. GoVia exacts justice through technology, ensuring every voice shapes a safer future.
