London Police Equipped With 360-Degree Cams

OriginalArlen writes, "In a story so surreal I had to check the primary source, the Register reports that the (London, UK) Metropolitan Police are trying out the use of eight tiny cams, mounted in the police helmet, to provide 360-degree evidence gathering in the event that an officer witnesses a crime. The press release also gives more evidence of the stealth spread of ubiquitous ANPR systems across the country as a spin-off 'benefit' to the London car congestion-charging scheme, which is likely to be rolled out across the country in the next few years. Are we already living in a Panopticon Society?" According to this report from the information commissioner for Great Britain, yep.

Comments

Congestion Charge

[JBHarris]

Maybe this has been mentioned before, but this seems absurd. In order to drive in a part of town that suffers from congestion, you must pay a 8euro congestion charge. That is insane. Am I the only one that thinks this is rediculous?

Brad

PS. - I'm from the States, incase you didn't guess.

Re:Congestion Charge

[garyok]

I'm still reeling that you took me as being serious enough to warrant a reply... But, I assure you that, in Real Life^TM, I hold the United States as being a more than a mere collection of "glorified strip malls". Apart from being the nation of my dear old mum, I have had a number of very pleasant holidays in NYC, Miami, Key West, and Portland MN (so very cold - reminded me of Aberdeen but with nicer houses and bigger ships and, thank merciful Jebus, no Aberdonians). And, for some inexplicable reason, the US of A seems to have just become a much more friendly place.

Re:Congestion Charge

[garyok]

Doh! Portland ME! Maine! Those 2-letter state code dealies fuck me up... Seriously, isn't is just easier to remember how to spell the state's name?