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U.S. Constitution
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Title: Cops Getting Free License Plate Readers In Exchange For 25% Of The 'Take' And All The Driver Data Vigilant Can Slurp
Source: TechDirt
URL Source: https://www.techdirt.com/articles/2 ... -data-vigilant-can-slurp.shtml
Published: Jan 28, 2016
Author: Tim Cushing
Post Date: 2016-01-29 19:56:58 by Deckard
Keywords: None
Views: 2443
Comments: 33

from the an-equitable-partnership dept

What happens when you lower the barriers to entry? More participants join the market. It works everywhere, even when the market is "law enforcement" and the "customers" are everyone else.

Vigilant Solutions, one of the country’s largest brokers of vehicle surveillance technology, is offering a hell of a deal to law enforcement agencies in Texas: a whole suite of automated license plate reader (ALPR) equipment and access to the company’s massive databases and analytical tools—and it won’t cost the agency a dime.

[...]

Vigilant is leveraging H.B. 121, a new Texas law passed in 2015 that allows officers to install credit and debit card readers in their patrol vehicles to take payment on the spot for unpaid court fines, also known as capias warrants. When the law passed, Texas legislators argued that not only would it help local government with their budgets, it would also benefit the public and police.
Well, we can see how this will benefit law enforcement and others on the government food chain, but it's unclear how this will benefit the public. The bill's sponsor said the law would "relieve the burden" of having their vehicles impounded or being jailed for unpaid fines. But beyond those vague perks, the benefits seem to flow mostly in one direction.

The EFF quotes legal blogger Scott Henson of Grits for Breakfast, who speculated the combination of license plate readers and credit card readers would push cops towards chasing down unpaid fines rather than enforcing traffic laws or performing more routine patrol duties. If so -- and it appears to be the case -- this is exactly the outcome Vigilant was expecting. It didn't hand out its tech for free. There may be no price tag on the plate readers at the point of purchase, but that's only because Vigilant has points on the back end.
The “warrant redemption” program works like this. The agency gets no-cost license plate readers as well as free access to LEARN-NVLS, the ALPR data system Vigilant says contains more than 2.8-billion plate scans and is growing by more than 70 million scans a month. This also includes a wide variety of analytical and predictive software tools.

The government agency in turn gives Vigilant access to information about all its outstanding court fees, which the company then turns into a hot list to feed into the free ALPR systems. As police cars patrol the city, they ping on license plates associated with the fees. The officer then pulls the driver over and offers them a devil’s bargain: go to jail, or pay the original fine with an extra 25% processing fee tacked on, all of which goes to Vigilant.
To make this relationship even more explicit, officers who issue tickets to parked vehicles rather than drivers leave a note instructing them to visit Vigilant's website to pay the fine. On top of the 25% fee, Vigilant also gets to collect massive amounts of sweet, sweet driver data, which it can then sell to other law enforcement agencies (database access licenses) and private firms (insurance companies, repo men, etc.). And, if the locals seem understaffed, Vigilant is more than happy to pick up the slack.
In early December 2015, Vigilant issued a press release bragging that Guadalupe County had used the systems to collect on more than 4,500 warrants between April and December 2015. In January 2016, the City of Kyle signed an identical deal with Vigilant. Soon after, Guadalupe County upgraded the contract to allow Vigilant to dispatch its own contractors to collect on capias warrants.
As the EFF points out, this freemium service benefits Vigilant and law enforcement, but does very little for the general public… including protect them from Vigilant's inability to perform its job competently.
During the second week of December, as part of its Warrant Redemption Program, Vigilant Solutions sent several warrant notices – on behalf of our law enforcement partners – in error to citizens across the state of Texas. A technical error caused us to send warrant notices to the wrong recipients.

These types of mistakes are not acceptable and we deeply apologize to those who received the warrant correspondence in error and to our law enforcement customers.
Apologies are nice, if of limited utility, but…
[T]he company has not disclosed the extent of the error, how many people were affected, how much money was collected that shouldn’t have been, and what it’s doing to inform and make it up to the people affected.
As has been discussed here before, turning law enforcement agencies into revenue-focused entities is a bad idea. Case in point: asset forfeiture. Further case in point: speed trap towns. Improper incentives lead to improper behavior. Agencies may like the idea of a "free" license plate reader, but the price still has to be paid by someone -- and that "someone" is going to be the general public.

As priorities shift towards ensuring ongoing use of the "free" ALPRs, other criminal activity is likely to receive less law enforcement attention. Unpaid fines and fees are in law enforcement's wheelhouse, but should never become its raison d'etre. Once it does, the whole community suffers. Anything that could be implemented to lower crime rates would also serve to lower revenue, making it far less likely to be implemented. Fewer infractions mean fewer opportunities to collect court fees.

And while the legislators pushing the new law Vigilant is leveraging talked a good game about sending fewer people to overcrowded jails, the governments overseeing these agencies still have budgets to meet and law enforcement to lean on to ensure this happens. Actually achieving the bill's stated aims would mean a steady reduction in court fees, which would lead to the loss of "free" plate readers. And no one wants that, at least not on the government side of things.

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#1. To: Deckard (#0)

Free enterprise. Socialists hate it.

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-29   20:24:24 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#2. To: Roscoe (#1)

Policing for profit - fascists love it.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-01-29   20:35:10 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#3. To: Deckard (#2)

Vigilant Solutions is a private company. That's what has the socialists in an uproar.

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-30   2:53:13 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#4. To: Roscoe (#3)

Vigilant Solutions is a private company.

Like I said, fascists love the cooperation between private companies and the police state.

Bet you're a big fan of red light cameras as well, especially when the cities rig the system by shortening the yellow light times in order to make more money.

Is there any aspect of the police state that you don't slavishly defend?

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-01-30   3:35:53 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#5. To: Deckard (#4)

cooperation between private companies

Voluntary cooperation and the profit motive. Socialists are aghast.

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-30   7:29:59 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#6. To: Roscoe (#1)

"Free enterprise. Socialists hate it."

What made these people believe they didn't have to pay fines and court fees? If they're looking for sympathy, they're not getting it from me.

misterwhite  posted on  2016-01-30   10:46:43 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#7. To: misterwhite, Roscoe, self-admitted fascists (#6)

You clowns are two of the most strident and unapologetic cheerleaders for fascism on this site - those who who consistently bellow belligerently for less freedom for American citizens and the expansion of the police state, supporting any and all fraudulent and unconstitutional actions taken by armed agents of the State.

WTF is wrong with you?

As has been discussed here before, turning law enforcement agencies into revenue-focused entities is a bad idea. Case in point: asset forfeiture. Further case in point: speed trap towns. Improper incentives lead to improper behavior. Agencies may like the idea of a "free" license plate reader, but the price still has to be paid by someone -- and that "someone" is going to be the general public.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-01-30   11:07:12 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#8. To: Deckard (#7)

less freedom

The "freedom" not to pay court fines. Bwahaha.

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-30   11:10:08 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#9. To: Roscoe (#8)

The "freedom" not to pay court fines.

No, the freedom not to be robbed by a coalition of private companies working hand-in-hand with the cops to bilk citizens out of more money.

That freedom thing is a rather confusing to you.

No wonder every one of your posts comes across as fascist.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-01-30   11:17:48 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#10. To: Deckard (#9)

robbed by a coalition of private companies

Yep. When you lie, you lie big. I'll give ya that.

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-30   11:21:57 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#11. To: Deckard (#7)

"Case in point: asset forfeiture. Further case in point: speed trap towns."

Those are state or local laws. You believe in self-governance, don't you?

Or do you belive in a powerful central government which dictates to every state and to every town how they will live their lives?

You are the little dictator, aren't you?

misterwhite  posted on  2016-01-30   11:26:49 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#12. To: misterwhite (#11)

Or do you believe in a powerful central government which dictates to every state and to every town how they will live their lives?

To ask the question is to answer it.

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-30   11:48:09 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#13. To: misterwhite (#11)

Nice try asshole.

No surprise that you spew out bullshit like that.

As usual you miss the entire fucking point.

Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you, slave.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-01-30   12:25:40 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#14. To: Deckard (#7)

HOORAY.... great points. I am frankly tired of people who claim to be conservatives, when they belong to the collectivists, communists, fascists, and progressives.

jeremiad  posted on  2016-01-30   12:41:50 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#15. To: Deckard (#13)

"As usual you miss the entire fucking point."

Not I.

Texas is implementing a plan which affects only their state. You come along and start bitching about it, calling them fascists, a police state, and saying it's a "fraudulent and unconstitutional action".

You don't live in Texas. F**k off, unitarian.

misterwhite  posted on  2016-01-30   13:01:25 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#16. To: misterwhite (#15)

Socialists inevitably want national hegemony.

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-30   13:35:49 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#17. To: misterwhite (#15)

Texas is implementing a plan which affects only their state.

You're beyond stupid if you think that this will only be implemented in Texas.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-01-30   13:43:16 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#18. To: jeremiad (#14)

I am frankly tired of people who claim to be conservatives, when they belong to the collectivists, communists, fascists, and progressives

I just gotta laugh at these two clowns here.

They actually believe they are conservative...

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-01-30   13:46:37 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#19. To: Deckard (#17)

Which states will you allow to use that vendor, Deckard?

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-30   13:52:28 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#20. To: Roscoe (#19) (Edited)

It's not a matter of what states "I allow" you imbecile.

Good grief, all of the states will be implementing this eventually, and you two freaks think it's swell.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-01-30   14:34:19 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#21. To: Deckard (#20)

It's not a matter of what states "I allow"

That's a good thing. Free enterprise wins, you lose.

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-30   15:32:12 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#22. To: jeremiad, Deckard, Y'ALL, exposing misterwhite, Roscoe, as self-admitted fascists (#14)

misterwhite, Roscoe, self-admitted fascists (#6)

You clowns are two of the most strident and unapologetic cheerleaders for fascism on this site - those who who consistently bellow belligerently for less freedom for American citizens and the expansion of the police state, supporting any and all fraudulent and unconstitutional actions taken by armed agents of the State. ---- WTF is wrong with you? ----- Deckard

HOORAY.... great points. I am frankly tired of people who claim to be conservatives, when they belong to the collectivists, communists, fascists, and progressives. ----- jeremiad

Gotta love it when our two fascists are caught out.

tpaine  posted on  2016-01-30   16:04:46 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#23. To: Roscoe (#21) (Edited)

Free enterprise? Is that what fascists are calling the merger between private companies and government law enforcement entities these days?

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-01-30   16:05:43 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#24. To: Deckard (#23)

Free enterprise?

Free enterprise. I wouldn't expect a socialist to understand the concept.

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-30   16:11:06 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#25. To: Deckard (#17)

"You're beyond stupid if you think that this will only be implemented in Texas."

I didn't say it would or wouldn't be implemented anywhere else. But if they're thinking about doing it in your state, you have the right to vote against it.

misterwhite  posted on  2016-01-30   16:37:33 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#26. To: Roscoe (#16)

"Socialists inevitably want national hegemony."

Unless they don't like it what they're doing -- like the federal laws against marijuana. Then they're all for "let the states decide".

misterwhite  posted on  2016-01-30   16:41:10 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#27. To: Deckard (#0)

I think this is called corruption in certain places. In a system like this how long before the cops also get a personal share of the take through a back door in the software that identifies the officer making the bust

paraclete  posted on  2016-01-30   16:44:17 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#28. To: misterwhite (#25)

.... if they're thinking about doing it in your state, you have the right to vote against it.

Are you for real?

When did the citizens of Texas get the opportunity to vote on this bullshit?

Police state powers are ALWAYS implemented by decree, not by consent.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-01-30   16:46:58 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#29. To: paraclete (#27)

In a system like this how long before the cops also get a personal share of the take through a back door in the software that identifies the officer making the bust

But you see, that's fine with the totalitarian pricks here who cheer the ever increasing police powers and resulting loss of privacy and liberty.

It's just peachy when cops get more technology to be used to fleece otherwise innocent citizens.

Their mantra is "if you've done nothing wrong, then you have nothing to fear.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

In a Cop Culture, the Bill of Rights Doesn’t Amount to Much

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Paul Craig Roberts

Deckard  posted on  2016-01-30   16:51:00 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#30. To: Deckard (#28)

When did the citizens of Texas get the opportunity to vote

Throughout their entire history. Socialists hate representative democracy.

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-30   18:00:55 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#31. To: misterwhite (#26)

Unless they don't like it what they're doing -- like the federal laws against marijuana. Then they're all for "let the states decide".

They also love bench made law.

Roscoe  posted on  2016-01-30   18:01:46 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#32. To: Roscoe (#31)

"They also love bench made law."

They went orgasmic over the taxpayer-funded, court-ordered "fix" to the Kansas City schools.

$2 billion later, no change.

misterwhite  posted on  2016-01-30   18:25:13 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#33. To: Roscoe, misterwhite, --- fascistic 'good Germans' (#30)

Socialists hate representative democracy.

Roscoe

Roscoe and misterwhite love fascistic 'representative democracy', Roscoe admits.

They're perfect 'good Germans'.

tpaine  posted on  2016-01-30   20:07:17 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


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