Thread: Big Brother? - Area cameras would record all license plates

Big Brother? - Area cameras would record all license plates

By Patricia E. Matson
Citydesk@StarNewsOnline.Com

Published: Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 4:46 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 4:46 p.m.

If recent grant applications win approval, all vehicles traveling on certain local traffic arteries would have their license plates automatically recorded and checked against a U.S. criminal records database.

A surveillance system would run every plate number through the National Crime Information Center, a computerized index maintained by the FBI. If the number matches someone with an outstanding warrant, or a criminal record, or perhaps just a person of interest in a local investigation, police would be alerted.

According to Wilmington Police Department grant manager Malcolm Phelps, the city has applied for funding to put the cameras at the Cape Fear Memorial and Isabel Holmes bridges, as well as on Interstate 40.

Wrightsville Beach has applied for funds to install the surveillance system on the drawbridge, as well as a mobile unit for a police car, Police Chief John Carey said. He hopes this enhanced surveillance system will eventually act as a “force multiplierâ€

Police already use technology where license plates are run of all vehicles that pass that particular car. People were upset about it until many realized its real use. It was being used to find stolen cars or vehicles used in a crime where the plate was given. If there are a rash of burglaries in an area and there is a vehicle description then you have a data base to check who was driving that type of vehicle in the area. It can be narrowed down even more if someone had a description of the driver. That information will not be used for any other purpose.

I have no problem with it when used for its intended purpose, any more than I mind the security cameras in department stores, mini marts, etc. I am much more concerned about the consolidation of private data (military records, medical records, financial records, etc.) by the government or by private industry when numerous events in the recent past clearly show that no one has adequate security to protect that data from hackers and those who would use it for identity theft and other forms of exploitation.

Originally Posted by 4thHorseman

I have no problem with it when used for its intended purpose, any more than I mind the security cameras in department stores, mini marts, etc. I am much more concerned about the consolidation of private data (military records, medical records, financial records, etc.) by the government or by private industry when numerous events in the recent past clearly show that no one has adequate security to protect that data from hackers and those who would use it for identity theft and other forms of exploitation.

Therein lies the potential for abuse. Since this is Federal monies, there is no telling how this data gathered can and will be shared.

I'll be putting this out to several groups in NC so they have a chance to respond.