Is Big Brother Coming to a Town Near You Next?

angelize56 · 06-May-2004, 02:59 PM #1

I'm not sure I like this idea!!

Sounds very invasive and seems like a lost cause to me! Welcome to Manalapan...."Big Brother" Country!

Candid Camera to Catch Criminal Cars in Fla. Town

Tuesday, April 27, 2004

MANALAPAN, Fla. — This fall, Manalapan will become the first town in the country to use digital cameras to snap photos of every car passing through.

The new $60,000 system uses powerful computer software to compare cars’ license plates and drivers' faces against those of stolen cars and wanted criminals in a police database.

In some cities, cameras are already capturing tag numbers of vehicles that run red lights and race through tolls without paying.

Critics of Manalapan's surveillance cameras, like the American Civil Liberties Union, say it’s not necessary to nab the bad guys by invading everyone’s right to privacy and warn that the photos could wind up lost in cyberspace.

But city officials call the system legal, promising that if the town needs help tracking down a suspect caught on camera, it will share the digital evidence with other law enforcement officials. And advocates of the criminal trapping device say all the images will be erased from the system after 90 days.

jackal969k · 06-May-2004, 03:34 PM #2

From article: And advocates of the criminal trapping device say all the images will be erased from the system after 90 days.
Yeah Right!

**LANMaster** · 07-May-2004, 12:29 PM #3

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackal969k

From article: And advocates of the criminal trapping device say all the images will be erased from the system after 90 days.
Yeah Right!

It would be dumb to erase them.

Especially if they prove that someone was in a certain place, at a certain time.

I'd be curious to know if this kind of device (used all over England, I understand) is used to prove someone's innocence by proving he/she could not have been where prosecutors claim he/she was.

Any stats from our good friends abroad?

pyritechips · 07-May-2004, 12:34 PM #4

I have argued the security vs. freedom scenario several times before elsewhere in this forum so I won't repeat my arguments here. I will just give a conclusion.

I lean towards less security and more freedom. In the grand scheme of things the greater lessening of freedom and privacy does not justify the small gain in security.

brushmaster1 · 07-May-2004, 06:46 PM #5

I agree with Jim on this one. Give me my freedom and privacy... I'll take care of my own security!

combsdon · 07-May-2004, 11:45 PM #6

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelize56

I'm not sure I like this idea!!

Sounds very invasive and seems like a lost cause to me! Welcome to Manalapan...."Big Brother" Country!

....angel....I find it iteresting that them taking a picuture of your car bothers you but having access to your bank records, etc., ......is n't an issue with you?........

**bassetman** · 08-May-2004, 11:12 AM #7

Quote:

Originally Posted by combsdon

....angel....I find it iteresting that them taking a picuture of your car bothers you but having access to your bank records, etc., ......is n't an issue with you?........

A bit of a paradox eh Don?

I was surprised to see she had started the thread!

BTW my "Republican" friend says I gave up my rights on 911. I don't remember giving up my rights, does anyone else remeber doing that?

angelize56 · 08-May-2004, 11:37 AM #8

You guys!

Gimme a break! Of course I care about "Big Brother" being in any of my business! I only posted this because it's a forewarning of what's going to happen everywhere!

By the way....my niece's hubby just graduated with a degree in law enforcement and will soon be a cop! Nice to have those in your family!

My Dad was one too!