Traffic App 'Waze' Raising Some Police Concern

BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ)--Curbing a popular traffic app? Some law enforcement agencies fear Waze is putting officers lives in danger.

This after reports surface a Baltimore County man used the app to track police, before killing two NYC cops last month.

Christie Ileto explains why they want to pump the brakes.

Before Ismaaiyl Brinsley assassinated two NYC cops last month, new reports say the Baltimore County shooter at some point used traffic app, Waze, to track police.

"Given the incidents in NYC and other things that occurred, I think the risk outweighs the benefit," said Chief Charlie Beck of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Investigators don't believe the app is directly linked to the December shooting, but it has top cops around the country arguing, "it threatens officers lives."

Detailing the design of to CBS This Morning last year, Waze helps 50 million users avoid gridlock, and pinpoint police activity like speed traps.

"I certainly understand public safety's position, if motivated people who are malicious understand where officers are, they can certainly do harm to them," said public safety expert Rob Weinhold.

While the traffic app can show the location of marked police units, how is this any different from posting the very same information on your Facebook or Twitter page?

"Law enforcement are going to have to adapt to technology because there are many ways you can communicate to disclose officers positions, particularly when they're involved in traffic enforcement," said Weinhold.

Waze tells WJZ their police partners support the app, because most users tend to drive more carefully, when they believe officers are nearby.

Still the app highlights a growing question just how far can the public monitor police?

As of now, Google has not announced any changes to the app.

Waze has been helpful to federal agencies in the past. Right after Hurricane Sandy, FEMA used it to locate areas in need of fuel.