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Police Database Lists 'Future Criminals'

Posted by timothy on from the shape-of-things-to-come dept.

Rio writes: "A Local6.com article tells us about a database that contains a list of people who police believe are likely to break the law. It features names, addresses and photographs of potential suspects --many of whom have clean slates. Since the system was introduced in Wilmington in June, most of the 200 people included in the file have been minorities from poor, high-crime neighborhoods."

6 of 925 comments (clear)

  1. Trend by dolphinuser · · Score: 5, Informative

    This is part of a disturbing national trend.

    In Ohio, they're keeping a DNA database of CLEARED suspects!

    John

    --
    The drops of water don't know themselves to be a river; and yet the river flows.
    1. Re:Trend by antirename · · Score: 3, Informative

      Yeah, and the FBI has a file on me. They have a file on you, most likely. Before you accuse me of having a tinfoil hat, think abouth this: the FBI just bought EVERYONE'S credit report. So now you have an FBI file if you have a credit history with the "big three" U.S. credit agencies. Hey, that might come in handy someday. Personally, I don't like the way all this is heading.

  2. Re:Seems "minority report" is not far from reality by Richard_at_work · · Score: 3, Informative

    This already happens in the UK, under the mental health act, a person can be detained for up to 28 days to "protect themselves or others" and longer if during those 28 days psychologists determine that the person requires medical help.

  3. better article about it by ksheff · · Score: 3, Informative

    here is a better article about the practice as well as some legal explanations for and against it. It also has quotes from people in the affected neighborhoods.

    --
    the good ground has been paved over by suicidal maniacs
  4. Hogwash! With sources. by FreeLinux · · Score: 5, Informative

    This is utter hogwash. You'd better check your facts. Try looking through some of the statistics and reports at The Bureau of Justice Statistics. The opposite of your statement is demonstrated again and again.

    Furthermore, many argue that not only economic minorities but, also racial minorities (so often the same) are unjustly labeled as the largest source of criminals. Again the statistics say otherwise.

    The fact is that economic and racial minorities produce a disproportionately high volume of criminals. Additionally, and interestingly to me, the minorities are statistically the largest group of victims of crime. That means that most criminal activity is perpetrated by minorities against other minorities. This has been case throughout history and is still true today.

  5. Re:Its interesting... by pmz · · Score: 3, Informative

    This same information would be in a policeman's notebook. "Stopped John Smith, 123 Main St, at 9th & Vine for loitering 2002-08-25 23:18"

    What's to stop the police officer from making up the data? What if my car spashes some mud onto a police car just as it leaves the car wash, and the officer spots my license plate and wants to exact a small revenge. He files a report that I was seen giving a known drug dealer a small package at 123 Main St., and, by chance, my only alibi is that I was at home alone reading a book.
    Next thing I know, I'm being questioned about a drug deal in front of the Live TV News camera crew.

    I really have no experience with courts, lawyers, judges, etc. How does an average citizen's testimony really stack up against that of a police officer, who may be lying?

    --
    Healthcare article at Kuro5hin