They are called automated license plate (recognition) scanners (ALPR), and St. Louis makes ongoing use of them. According to police officials, they are useful tools in the fight against crime. According to others, however, they represent a blatant invasion of privacy and a matter of serious concern in the growing surveillance state. [Read more…]
Residents React Strongly to Proposed License Plate Scanners
Is the tide finally turning against the onslaught of government surveillance by license plate scanners? [Read more…]
St. Louis County Crime Lab Sees 6-8 Month Delays on Drug Cases
When the police find drugs on someone, they can’t just use their experience and best judgment to push charges. While this might be good enough for an initial arrest, the prosecutor is going to want hard evidence—namely, lab test results confirming the substance as a drug. But in St. Louis County, there is a long wait for such test results, causing charges and treatment to be delayed. [Read more…]