Family Watchdog: National Sex Offender Registry + Google Maps

Family Watchdog is a mashup that combines the resources of the National Sex Offender Registry with the map tool of Google.  The result is an internet tool that allows users to check their neighborhoods and communities for sex offenders in their area.  The website was very easy to use since it employs many conventional tools of the internet that we are all familar with (google maps, basic searching skills, etc.)  Users can type in a street address and within seconds a map is delivered that plots registered sex offenders within the area. Family Watchdog includes a color-coding system that categorizes the different types of sexual offenses and misconduct and plots those occurrences on the map.  The user can then use the basic map browsing tools of Google maps to zoom in, zoom out, or move around to check for other offenders in the surrounding areas.

On paper, this mashup seems like it could be a useful tool in making our communities safer from these deviants and sexual offenders.  However, in my opinion, this service is not a very helpful or practical way to try to prevent these crimes or occurrences from happening in the future.  What benefit does this website ultimately have? Are people supposed to memorize the pictures and addresses of where these sexual deviants are living?  It seems to me that this website tells the user nothing more than to use caution when crossing the yard or area of the offender that could be down the street.  Another downside of this website is the fact that it employs little Web 2.0 technologies.  There is the capability to create and customize a personalized safety portal, however, there is no forum or space for interactivity between users. Since so much of Web 2.0 technologies are based upon user interactivity and user-generated content, I would not be able to categorize Family Watchdog as a tool at the avant-garde of Web 2.o technology. 

Family Watchdog