NY 911 to Accept Cell Phone Images

In his state of the city address, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that the New York City 911 system will be upgraded to accept digital images from cell phones in addition to phone calls. So, everyone with a cell phone, click and send.

The system is being designed by the new company PowerPhone, and it will be used in more cities than just NYC.

I wonder what the data use and retention policies are going to be. What is 911 going to do with the images? What are they permitted, legally, to do with the images? Where are they going to be stored and for how long? It's a bit disconcerting when you think about it, especially considering that cell phone cameras are crossing the public-private divide. Take my picture with a public webcam, such as in central park, please. I'm in a public area and the expectation of privacy is low. But take my picture someplace else, such as... oh, ... say the comfort of my living room and there may be some concerns.