Google For Cops?

from the connect-the-dots dept

TechTV is running a story about a computer system called CopLink that is being referred to as a "Google" for cops - connecting all their various databases with some powerful search tools. Police can just put in random "clues" that they have, and the system suggests possible connections. It certainly sounds like a powerful system - though, the article doesn't address some of the concerns such a system might bring about. When people have these types of tools at their hands, they sometimes begin to rely too much on them - which could be a major problem if the system returns "false positives". It also might increase the drive for "more information" being fed into the databases, as opposed to "better information". If these concerns are clearly addressed, then the system actually sounds very useful in helping police track down criminals.
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  1. identicon
    dorpus, 15 Apr 2003 @ 9:32am

    Cops aren't techies

    Cops rely on their instincts, their experiences first, then on whatever the computer spits out.

    If local cops have better access to national databases, it has implications for the relevance of federal law enforcement.


    link to this | view in thread ]

  2. identicon
    DV Henkel-Wallace, 15 Apr 2003 @ 12:48pm

    Google for cops sounds great!

    Imagine how successful the Rodney King video was. Now imagine if that during your next traffic stop you Googled the cop's badge number while he's writing up the ticket...or likewise during pro-war protest in Dubuque!

    What's sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander!

    link to this | view in thread ]


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