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New Software Puts License Plate Scanners Into Citizens' Hands (arstechnica.com)
An anonymous reader writes: Automated license plate readers have become a serious point of contention between law enforcement and privacy-minded citizens. But the advance of technology might make it a moot point — with some open source software and a cheap webcam, anyone can now start cataloging the cars visiting their street. A two-man team developed OpenALPR and started distributing it for free, along with the source code. Law enforcement and the agencies that build their plate scanners have argued in favor of the legality of such data collection, so it's not like they can suddenly start cracking down on private citizens doing the same. "An enterprising person could even use a car-mounted camera and create a mobile plate hunting device along the lines of what many police agencies already use." Is this particular privacy fight one that's still winnable?
...when the first guy sets up right in front of the police station. Or better yet, in front of the officer having an affair's house.
This is not all that helpful or useful unless you can connect to the DMV databases that links the plate to the person.
Yet another nice thing about riding a bicycle: no license plate.
If court is to begin session at 8 AM, then the judge should be there, at 8AM, to begin session. Not show up at the courthouse at 8 AM and attend to other business. If the roles were reversed, one would presumably be going to jail. I therefore completely disagree that the judge gets a pass and that this guy is "out of line and very assholish".
What problem would this solve? All that would do is ensure that the cops have the power but the average citizen doesn't, thereby tipping even further the already severely out of balance scale of "justice".
Guns don't kill people; Physics kills people! - John Lithgow as Dick Solomon on Third Rock From The Sun