Inspiration
With the rise of online booking services for housing and lodging, it can be difficult to gauge the safety of a neighborhood. This inspired us to create ZipWatch, a simple, user-friendly tool to analyze crime statistics in any area, helping users make more informed decisions.
What it does
ZipWatch allows users to input a zip code and receive comprehensive reports on local crime activity. These reports feature a tier system to assess crime levels and provide both quantitative data (crime rates) and qualitative insights (crime trends) related to violent crime and theft and property crime. Additionally, we ensure that users are informed about local community resources and social services to support their safety and well-being.
How we built it
We used publicly available crime statistics to calculate the volume and types of crime in a given zip code. The application processes this data to generate a clear report on violent crime, property crime, theft, and overall crime patterns. At ZipWatch, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive platform that empowers all individuals, regardless of their background or abilities, to make informed decisions about their safety. We recognize that accessibility and inclusivity are vital for ensuring that our crime analysis tools can be utilized by everyone. As part of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we present both visual and text representations of crime data, making our platform more accessible to individuals with diverse needs, including those who rely on assistive technologies.
Challenges we ran into
One of the significant challenges we encountered during the development of ZipWatch was sourcing a dataset that offered the granularity necessary to deliver accurate and relevant crime information for specific zip codes. Additionally, we faced hurdles in integrating the JSON data into our HTML and CSS template. Ensuring that the data was not only accurately fetched but also properly formatted for display required extensive troubleshooting and adjustments to our code.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We’re incredibly proud of the strong collaboration and efficiency our team demonstrated, especially in completing ZipWatch within a 24-hour timeframe. It showcases our commitment to teamwork and our dedication to creating a valuable tool for the community.
What we learned
The success of ZipWatch was largely due to our commitment to effective teamwork and collaborative management. Throughout the project, we fostered an open environment that encouraged communication and idea-sharing, allowing us to leverage each team member's strengths. Regular check-ins and brainstorming sessions ensured everyone was aligned with our goals and timelines.
What's next for ZipWatch
Our goal is to expand ZipWatch into a Google Chrome extension, allowing users to seamlessly access crime reports while browsing booking websites. We also plan to integrate more extensive crime datasets to support nationwide use, giving users reliable crime insights across the country.
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