Surveillance and the right of privacy

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Surveillance and the Right of Privacy

Introduction to Surveillance:

According to Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary, surveillance is defined as a “close kept watch over someone or something (as by a detective).” Surveillance has been used ever since the days of, “Follow that cab!” From their primitive state, surveillance techniques and technology have evolved. Policing agencies no longer need to use methods of surveillance such as listening through walls, looking through windows and over fences, and even sifting through a suspect’s garbage. Because of the continuous development of new technology, policing agencies can hear, see, and track almost everyone and everything. As more and more technology is developed, who is to regulate the use of the technology and surveillance?

Parabolic Microphones and “Bionic Ears”- This technology allows a person to amplify sounds (i.e. talking, movement) from a long distance away. For example, a suspect’s conversation can be pinpointed and heard 50 meters away as if the sounds were coming from short distance.

Digital Audio Equipment- Digital Audio Equipment allows police agencies to listen and record a phone conversation at any given time. These range from a digital voice stick that can be hidden in a room, or a “bug” device that can be placed inside a phone (landline or cellular).

Night Vision- Night Vision Goggles are electronic devices designed for observing remote objects and orientation at night. Special military, security forces, pilots, paratroopers, security agents and tact ops commandos have used this equipment.

Covert and Fixed Cameras- The use of covert cameras allows security and policing agencies to hide cameras, in turn, they would ca...

... middle of paper ...

...rveillance will be ethical is if policing agencies are policed. By making sure that these agencies follow strict codes, this will reduce the amount of unethical uses of surveillance technology. Although this would be the most ethical way to handle this issue, I feel that it would be hard to stop all unethical uses of surveillance. The continuous advancements in surveillance technology will continue to make it more difficult to regulate the use of surveillance.

Resources

[1]http://www.lkwdpl.org/cffr/polsumm.htm

[2]http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/oicd/iscop.htm#1

[3]http://www.alchemind.org/DLL/kyllo1.htm

[4]http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2001/0618/cov-main-06-18-01.asp

[5]http://www.e-sci.com/genSci/5/1022/1039/10205.html

[6]Orloff, Thomas J. Point Of View: A Publication Of The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Vol. 29 Number 4, 2001

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