The famous @OUScanner is run by Robinson, a senior video production major.
Why did you decide to start @OUScanner?
“I initially was brought into the world of scanning when I found out about the Athens Scanner my junior year. It was towards the second semester of my junior year that I decided to purchase my own scanner, a $300 piece of hardware. I became part of the short-lived Athens Scanner volunteer program, where we could sign up for blocks of time to cover the scanner feed. After the scanners mysterious disappearance in October, I saw an opportunity to take over with my own feed. The main purpose of the feed is to inform the public of what is happening in the community, and also provide a laugh on the lighter issues. I also want it to be a primary source of information for the public when there is a critical incident that could pose a threat. That is why I created the @AlertAthens account. It can be setup by followers to sent them text messages, so if there was a critical incident that I think is important for people to know, I can post it onto that account and people can get the information right on their cellphones.”
Are you surprised at the success of your feed?
“I knew I would get some followers, but I didn’t think I would get so many so fast. I average around probably 30 followers a week, and up to 100 during major events. I rely heavily on retweets and mentions from followers to get publicity and new followers. At the writing of this, I have 4,200 followers.”
What’s the craziest thing you’ve heard listening to the scanner?
“The most shocking thing was about the student who died at Ping. I was in shock when I found out the next day he had died. It’s not always drunk people and drug problems, sometimes it is much worse. It really makes you think when you hear about the things happening just a short distance away from you. I also heard about a subject who was trying to mug people with a knife on Stewart street, that is one of the more scary incidents where if it had turned out differently people could have gotten hurt.. One of the weirder ones was when a man with his pants down was trying to get into a woman’s residence, I thought that was kind of odd.”
Does anybody help you run the feed?
“I run the feed by myself at the moment. It used to just be when I had free time that I would listen in, but I wanted to provide better coverage of the scanner, so I added some automation. All scanner traffic is recorded and backed up online, so if I miss something I can check the recordings to get information about what happened. I also have software that detects the fire and EMS tones, and when the proper tone is received, it records the dispatch and emails me the audio, along with sending me a text message, so I can find out if something important is happening. I also have a live online feed, but it is currently not available to the public.”
What are your favorite OU twitter accounts?
“I personally enjoy @OHIOVP, @JennyHallJones feeds. I also enjoy @ForecastAthens because he provides the best weather coverage and forecasts.”