New text alert system aims to battle police brutality in Wake County

A local activist has created a text alert system to battle police brutality, which allows citizens to opt into a mass texting system that alerts them when critical incidents happen involving law enforcement. They can also text in tips of critical incidents for further investigation.

Kerwin Pittman, the brains behind CodeBlue Brutality Alert, designed the system to send out text alerts in real-time when Law Enforcement/ Police in Wake County is critically injuring or murdering someone.

"We may be the first ones in the country doing this," said Pittman.

The texting system's primary goals are to keep the community informed and hold the police accountable, as well as put eyes on a situation as it unfolds.

"I'm not saying citizens should be vigilantes and try to physically restrain law enforcement," Pittman said, “But what I am saying is they need to be there to put eyes on the situation and see what's going on."

Pittman asked that people text in tips about police brutality, and leads will be investigated before they're sent out to subscribers. He also discusses the process, saying the person who sent the tip will receive a call for further information. Also, Pittman pulls police reports and listens to scanners to get the information needed.

Rick Armstrong, vice president of the union that represents Raleigh police, says this could create dangerous situations for officers and citizens.

"I think it's irresponsible, and officers have dash and body cameras," said Armstrong. "We don't need more people on a scene of a potentially dangerous situation to make it even more dangerous."

Pittman, who has a different view than Armstrong, says that if the officers follow policy and procedure accordingly, there shouldn't be any issue with anything.

Individuals who want to participate can text the word 'Justice' to (984) 985-3399 to opt-In to the "CodeBlue Brutality Alerts" text alert system.

The texting service was launched on Wednesday but Pittman hopes to take it statewide eventually; for more information, visit www.rreps.net.