My first diary.
In an article in today's "What's Next" section of the New York Times, a new plan was detailed to set up microphones on public streetcorners, for ballistics analysis in case of gun crime. The article doesn't address any personal privacy or public surveillance concerns.
In an unusual application of neuroscience research, police agencies around the country may soon be able to equip street corners with microphones and video cameras to fight gun-related crime.
[...] The system has drawn the attention of several law enforcement agencies, including police departments in Chicago, Oklahoma City and Phoenix and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
This issue offends me on a few levels, so I'll go thru it one-by-one after the bump. Thanks for your patience, and most of all for your comments...
Here's more:
The system uses four microphones, contained along with the computer in a bulletproof box two feet by two feet by three feet. The system is able to determine quickly where a gun was fired, using the difference in time that the sound took to reach each microphone. The computer sends a signal to the video camera, which zooms in on the location. The system then transmits information and the video directly to law enforcement headquarters. The devices, which cost up to $25,000 each, can cover an area with a radius of about 200 yards.
Cmdr. Sid Heal of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, who is in charge of evaluating technology for the agency, said that the system is likely to provide greater "situational awareness." In about six months, the sheriff's department will test the devices, installing as many as 20 around Los Angeles County.
[...]The information and video images can be immediately reviewed by officers at headquarters who may be able to determine the nature of the incident, he said. "Because of that we gain a tremendous tactical advantage before we arrive on the scene," he added.
Beyond standard urban law enforcement, the American military has taken notice of Dr. Berger's research. In fact, the Office of Naval Research in Arlington, Va., has been financing his neuroscience research for the last 10 years.
So, upon the first few reads, here are my thoughts:
- In order to "fight gun-related crime", microphones may be installed on street corners across LA and the rest of the country. Zowie. I know we have cameras, but now mics too? Is the evidence from gun crime worth the reduction in personal privacy?
- You can be sure that they will not be installed halfway up Mulholland, but rather in areas 'prone to gun violence'. So, we're talking about crime-prone, low-income, 'minority'-dominated areas.
- The technology and coverage seems to almost brazenly ignore civil liberties and expectations to privacy, right to refuse to be recorded and wiretap.
- If this recording capability is used to detect one kind of crime, is that not de facto justification to prosecute for other crimes that might be recorded?
In short, is our country now in a place where open microphones are allowable, and acceptable? Is that America in the 21st century? I'm not sure that sits well with me.
Anyway, I just came across this and will process it more as I have time. I hope it stimulates some conversation.