9 NINE | Page 7

TECHNOLOGY 9-1

THE GRAFFITI CODE BREAKER

New software makes connections

helps cops keep tabs on gang activity.

Steven Schafer,

a detective in

the criminal gang unit

of the indianapolis Metropolitan

Police Departament. A new software program called

GARI is now helping Schafer and other investigators decipher the scrawlings, monitor gang activity and fight crime.

The software also scans the graffiti for distinguishing features, including color and shape.

The app itself is not available to the public including members of gangs who could use it to avoid getting caught.

through to GARI, police agencies can derive local gang affiliation, territorial disputes and even the identity on the members who left their mark.

september 27, 2012

by Adam Hadhazy

Daniela Riascos Izquierdo

9-1

A NEW SOFTWARE PROGRAM GARI