I’ll analyze the potential implementation of GoVia across these Ohio cities through a critical lens, examining various factors and challenging assumptions.
1. Assumption Challenge: Market Size vs. Need
– While Columbus has the largest population (898,553), this doesn’t automatically make it the best choice
– Counterpoint: Cleveland, despite smaller population, has more civil rights cases per capita, suggesting greater immediate need
2. Technical Infrastructure and Adoption
– Columbus leads in tech adoption (78%), but the difference is minimal
– Critical Question: Does higher tech adoption correlate with willingness to use police accountability apps?
3. Progressive Politics Analysis
Cincinnati:
Pros:
– Strong history of police reform following 2001 civil unrest
– Established Collaborative Agreement for police reform
– Higher median income suggesting better app adoption potential
Cons:
– More conservative surrounding areas
– Smaller total addressable market
Cleveland:
Pros:
– Significant police reform needs (under DOJ consent decree)
– Higher rate of civil rights cases indicating market need
– Strong activist community
Cons:
– Lower tech adoption rate
– Economic challenges affecting smartphone penetration
Columbus:
Pros:
– Largest population and growing tech sector
– More diverse economy and younger population
– Higher smartphone adoption rate
Cons:
– Less immediate reform pressure
– More satisfied with current police oversight
4. Implementation Challenges:
Legal Considerations:
– Ohio’s laws regarding police recordings vary by jurisdiction
– Need to verify if video chat features comply with state privacy laws
– Question whether digital affidavits hold legal weight
Technical Requirements:
– Need to consider cellular coverage in different neighborhoods
– Data privacy compliance across jurisdictions
– Integration capabilities with existing police systems
Recommendation:
Based on the critical analysis, Cleveland emerges as the most suitable initial market, despite not being the largest city. Here’s why:
1. Demonstrated Need: Higher per-capita civil rights cases indicate stronger market demand
2. Reform Environment: Active DOJ consent decree creates institutional pressure for adoption
3. Community Engagement: Strong activist presence can help with adoption
4. Clear Success Metrics: Existing problems provide clear benchmarks for measuring impact
This challenges your initial assumption that size or tech adoption should be the primary factors. Instead, I suggest that actual need and reform environment are more critical for initial success.
