With a Zap or Swipe of IDs, Device Helps Nab Scofflaws
The Clermont County of Ohio Sheriff’s Office is the first U.S. civilian law enforcement agency to test a new data device that enables officers to check a suspect’s identity against 140 “wanted” or “watch” lists in the United States.
Officers will use Mobilisa’s m2500 Defense ID system, which can check a suspect’s identity and provide answers using numerous fugitive watch lists, criminal background databases, and convicted sex offender lists in just one second.
The device reads the barcode on a state ID or U.S. passport.
Some privacy advocates such as Cato Institute information-policy expert Jim Harper says that if this device is used to scan crowds, for instance, it may go against the constitutional barring of unreasonable search and seizure.
Clermont County Sheriff A.J. Rodenberg calls the device “the future of crime fighting.”
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) from USA Today (04/10/07) P. 3A; Coolidge, Sharon.
