Law enforcement needs to be educated so that cameras are not used to harass registrants
Cameras are popping up everywhere and will probably be growing exponentially, if not already doing so.
Years ago, when I first heard of cameras being used to solve crimes, I felt it could be a good thing if used properly. It is a good thing when we hear of dangerous criminal types being caught as a result of these cameras; but my biggest concern is what many people are referring to as law enforcement overreach.
In Alabama, which is arguably one of the worst states to live in for a registrant, cities across Alabama are ramping up security by installing cameras as part of their crime-fighting strategy. Officials say that steps have been taken to safeguard privacy. All footage is deleted every 30 days. Does that make me feel comfortable that overreach will not be a concern? No!
My concern is Captain Ware’s comment to Channel 6WBRC in Birmingham, Alabama, “Stolen vehicle, wanted persons, Silver alerts, Amber Alerts, registered sex offenders…” Why is he interested in photographing law-abiding people who are forced to register? Or will LE only be using the cameras to find registrants with outstanding warrants for real crimes?
We have an FAC member who has been sending research to various individuals and groups – anyone he finds who needs to be educated. One person he is educating is a sheriff in Florida. The FAC member recently received a hand-written note from the sheriff thanking him for sending the information to him, which is being sent every two weeks for a period of six months. The sheriff also mentioned that he is passing on the research to the leadership in his department.
We have another member who, with some success, has spent time educating the sheriff in her county.
FAC members are educating the media and legislators. It is now time to start educating our Florida sheriffs. If Grady Judd can understand that we need to look to some of the IT geniuses in this country to start taking down CP from the internet, then any sheriff is capable of understanding and applying the research to prevent LE overreach in the use of these cameras.
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Infrared diodes, the same used in remote controls, can be used to defeat digital cameras.
It is great that people are working hard to try to control the criminal regimes. It will help.
But I guarantee the cameras will be abused and weaponized against PFR families. It has already happened. A good way to help combat that is for PFR families to never allow law enforcement to get near them and certainly never talk to them. Neutralize the harassment.
If anyone can get Grady Judd to listen to anything that is not his own idea, the rapture will happen immediately. The trumpets will sound and Armageddon will begin. The oceans will open up and release its’ fury and the skies will reign down fire.
Yes, he is that stubborn.
You can’t teach someone anything who already knows everything.
There are better ways that their IT cops could be used than that. How about real crimes, like financial fraud or something.
They have to explore BS to justify their salaries same reason we still have civil asset forfeiture.
Kudos to the members who are working constructively with sheriffs on these issues. Thank you!!
Jacob
There are a couple of old sayings.
Hate the sin but love the sinner.
And Your past transgressions do not define who you are (Unless you allow or want them to be).
Orlando Police is an agency that uses tag readers to scan for terrorists and sex offenders. I was followed for 30 minutes before I finally circling around the officer to get his car number and tag number. He never pulled me over because I didn’t commit any traffic violations. Later that afternoon, I contacted the Professional Standards Division (ie Internal Affiars). A sergeant told me about the tag readers and how they work, making an alarm sound when they come across someone on the terrorist watch list or RSO list. So, they group us with terrorists.
Concerned
And if you are not wanted for say warrants and have not committed any traffic violations, legally they cannot stop you. This is where my police experience comes in. They LIE and say you failed to signal or something else. Then when you go to court, who are they going to believe? A convicted sex offender or an officer who must be honest because, well, he / she is a cop. Go Figure.
With the pervasiveness of cameras, I think any traffic violations should be corroborated by video evidence or thrown out. Perhaps a law to this effect would keep LE overreach in check.