iPerp or To Loopt a Predator

MG Siegler at TechCrunch has an article today about an application for iPhone and iPod Touch that locates sexual offenders in the area of the iPhone. Cue the George Orwellish music on your iPod’s playlist. The app Offender Locator (iTune link) is on the iTunes Store for 99¢, which is a small price for piece of mind. The story doesn’t say how many times the app has been downloaded and paid for. The app is in the Top 10 list this week and it might be a sign that there is a developer coming into a windfall of beer money soon.

Most states already have these services available online for citizens to search online for free. Here in Tennessee you can start searching here.

I wasn’t sure if this app would be legal in some states because of laws governing how criminal database record can be accessed. The story also points brings up that point.

Whatever the case technology has moved us into a fascinating place. Leveraging today’s mobile and social internet you can use apps like Loopt (iTunes link) to search for people you know that are within your immediate area on your iPhone and connect with them. The Offender Locator basically does a 180 on the Loopt and lets you decide if you really want to go into that same area.

Would you purchase an application for your smart phone to warn of a sexual offender or other undesirable that may be in your proximity? Are do you think