Reading this article about the remote monitoring of offenders. It is to keep them out of jail, reduce costs and, more importantly, control them.
It seems pretty accurate from the figures quoted but I was dismayed to read a quote from an advisor to US judges that “We have to accept that some guilty people will go free and that some innocent people will be convicted.”. Err… He means that we can’t get these devices 100% accurate but we will treat them as if they are. No getting off just for being innocent.
In another statement in the article from Arthur Lurigio, who studies criminal justice and health at Loyola University in Chicago. “But I welcome the SCRAM because it helps people avoid jail and the stigma of jail.”. WTF? If they want to avoid the stigma of jail they shouldn’t break the law. It’s thinking like this that reduces punishment to a level that the risk is minimised and encourages crime. Do the crime but don’t worry about the time. It’s the wrong message to send.
Won’t be long before we have to wear them for everyday life. Let the government track you wherever you go, monitor how often you have a drink, have nookie and lounge around and no point in objecting to the results as itis rarely wrong and that means you are guilty. Then they can zap you remotely and collect your body from where it falls. Much safer than having to chase you as plod may trip. H&S comes first, except for you of course. Injuries from thrashing about as you are zapped are just so unfortunate but unavoidable.
Deadlocked – Escape from Zone 14. Welcome to the future, that film was produced in 1995, then there is Brazil (1985). We also have Idiocracy (2006) and V for Vendetta which should give the government something to think about, after all, they are trying to head in that direction.
There has to be an obscure government that is scouring SF books and films to see what they can use. The problem is they are using all the things for repression rather than advancement.
I missed out the word department after government in the last paragraph – sorry
If they want to avoid the stigma of jail they shouldn’t break the law.
Precisely. The arguments these bozos trot out are ludicrous.
Ivan,
That is because that is the way their minds work. They are in the wrong job if they think of positive things.
James,
I know. And there are the people making and pushing laws and law reform. We need a culling.