Police cruising the net for "intelligence"
Internet Web sites popular with young people provide "intelligence tools" for law-enforcement agencies, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said.
The Charlotte Observer has a report today.
Capt. Eddie Levins "said police use MySpace, Facebook, YouTube and other sites to find young people wanted for crimes. They also use the sites to learn what's happening in schools and neighborhoods, and get an idea what kids are talking about."
I don't use any of those sites but, checking out MySpace, I found this profile of a guy named Spike. I doubt the police would be interested, but I think his English teachers (if he ever had any) should be ashamed.
So, is there anything wrong with law-enforcement surveillance of these sites? They're not private forums, are they? If people reveal information about criminal activity, I won't say police shouldn't read it.
Comments (5)
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You can't read it at High Point Public Library, they've banned it.
Maybe criminals can start checking their accounts at the police station.
Posted on December 6, 2006 4:31 PM
Don't know about myspace, but facebook has a privacy filter whereas you can set it so only your "friends" (who you have to request/accept their request) can see your profile. It can also be set so that only people in your "network(s)" can see your profile. (Networks can be school, location, etc.) I do know that potential employers often check myspace and facebook pages before interviewing candidates. I've heard that professors at universities do as well.
Posted on December 6, 2006 4:38 PM
So, is there anything wrong with law-enforcement surveillance of these sites? They're not private forums, are they? If people reveal information about criminal activity, I won't say police shouldn't read it. * Doug
Doug! Whether you know it or not. You have just told the cops that you have a interest in Spike. You are now a " person of interest" in their books too. Now do you understand how some innocent folks get caught up in the Web of Orwellism?
Posted on December 6, 2006 6:28 PM
"So, is there anything wrong with law-enforcement surveillance of these sites?"
Nope. No more than the police reading the newspaper or watching the TV news to find out what's happening. They're both public forums.
If you don't want anybody to know what you're doing, don't put it up on a public forum on the internet. And don't talk to a reporter. :)
Posted on December 6, 2006 9:57 PM
If you don't want anybody to know what you're doing, don't put it up on a public forum on the internet. And don't talk to a reporter. :)* JA
And listen to your lawyer. Shut the heck up! The judical system is loaded with 15 sec media fame fools and idiots who think it is a game. The game ends with the slam of the prison metal doors and reality sets in as the fools become institutional with a mind set that never comes back.
Posted on December 7, 2006 9:42 AM