Of course that sounds ridiculous. The Stasi and their like are long gone. At least as far as Europe is concerned (ignoring Russia, that is).

However much you are an apologist for the post twin-towers surveillance society, you cannot deny the real encroachment of State controlled, or State accessed, cameras.

Our local constabulary in Bedfordshire has what they call an “Intercept Team” – here is the link to the Luton on Sunday’s brief report – http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/News/The-latest-results-from-ANPR.htm

This “Intercept Team” is tied in some way to the ANPR system – the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system. This “Intercept Team”, however, do more than simply obtain number plates, since they brag about arrests for burglaries, cannabis possession and immigration offences.

I don’t know about anyone else, but the “Intercept Team” sounds to me like the idea of someone’s whose been reading too many comics. Or perhaps watched Mad Max too many times. If you Google “Interceptor” you’ll find that this was the name of the feral police enforcement officers’ vehicles in the post apocalyptic Mad Max world.

Being serious, I do find this a little scary. On the one hand we have the simple process of data collection through the use of technology. On the other hand we have a news report that quite obviously claims that the technology does not just get a number plate but is good enough to identify the occupants of vehicles on the move.

In another article from the web, I’ve obtained rather more interesting facts about ANPR cameras – here’s the link –

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/02/03/police_anpr/

There are over 10,000 cameras which read up to 14 million plates PER DAY!!

Supposedly there are only “tightly cropped images of the plates” which are retained for two years. Although some police forces retain images of passengers and drivers for one year.

I should be reassured that our Con-Dem Coalition Government is consulting on how surveillance cameras should be permitted to be used (including ANPRs).

The Ministerial Foreword of the Consultation Paper contains such good words:

We are determined to ensure that the significant increases in State surveillance which have occurred over the last decade should not go unchecked. Our coalition agreement sets out a package of measures which will roll back the over-intrusive powers of the State. We are committed to restoring and preserving our historic and valued traditions of freedom and fairness.

Here’s the whole paper –

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/consultations/cons-2011-cctv/code-surveillance-cameras?view=Binary

However, I am not reassured. For one simple reason.

The Minister who wrote this Foreword does not identify himself or herself. Why?

This may be mere oversight.

On the other hand, it may be culture. A culture at whose core is both concealment and an attitude which is summed up by “we know best”.

Article posted on Wednesday, March, 16th, 2011 at 11:17 am

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