Big Brother

rdret1 · 09-15-2011, 14:44

Unfortunantly, I cannot post the link as you have to be a subscriber to see it. Today's Wilson Daily Times ran an article about the Wilson County Sheriff's Department getting a couple of new gadgets called "Automated License Plate Recognition Technology". According to the paper, it can spot and single out delinquent tags with an infrared beam. It can scan stationary or moving vehicles, even going in the opposite direction, within a 12' beam and automatically let the officer know if the plates are still valid.

As a LEO, I have no problem with this type of technology for this purpose. What I do have a problem with is the main focus of the story. The technology also can indicate whether the vehicle owner has paid the taxes on the car or not. Quoted from the paper, "But also the tax office is very excited about the opportunity to utilize this software, with the added benefit of recognizing registered motor vehicles with expired and/or unpaid taxes." "He (Randy Faircloth, Wilson County Tax Administrator) said the new system would make tax collection more efficient and effective."

The software will cost the county $36K. According to Faircloth, more than $800K in unpaid taxes go uncollected each year. This from a small county with a little over 81,000 population.

Apparently, the system will be able to interface with NCIC and recognize stolen plates, plates associated with Amber Alerts, etc. If someone can provide a partial tag, it will pull up all candidates and provide a picture of the vehicle the plates are assigned to.

Right now, there will only be two SO cars equipped with the ALPR system, but it is causing quite the controversy here in the old "Tobacco Capital" of the nation. I can see where it would be very beneficial to law enforcement for legitimate LAW ENFORCEMENT purposes. As referenced by our "esteemed" tax administrator, I can also see the very REAL potential for governmental intrusion and abuse. Technology is not always a GOOD thing.

Richard · 09-15-2011, 14:52

Vehicle registration here is through the office of the county tax assessor/collector office - your taxes are an integral part of the vehicle registration system.

Remember this discussion? http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/...ad.php?t=25830

Richard

**Pete** · 09-15-2011, 14:59

County taxes as well as inspections here in NC.

You have to pay your county tax to have them issue your renewal papers. You have to have the vehicle inspected to be able to renew by mail or at the DMV.

You don't pay your insurance they'll pull your tag - well, depending on how long it takes before you're stopped and they run your tag.

That's the one I see - alerting on insurance pulled tags.

rdret1 · 09-15-2011, 15:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

County taxes as well as inspections here in NC.

You have to pay your county tax to have them issue your renewal papers. You have to have the vehicle inspected to be able to renew by mail or at the DMV.

You don't pay your insurance they'll pull your tag - well, depending on how long it takes before you're stopped and they run your tag.

That's the one I see - alerting on insurance pulled tags.

That is true Pete, however, vehicle registration, vehicle taxes and vehicle inspection are three seperate transactions here in NC. It was only a few years ago that they tied your vehicle registration to paying your vehicle taxes. What I foresee with this is the confiscation or towing of vehicles in parking lots when they have been identified as delinquent tax vehicles. Currently, a NC LEO cannot stop a vehicle with an expired registration unless it is being operated on a roadway. Even if it is identified as a delinquent tax vehicle, we don't write tickets for civil infractions. If a warrant has been issued, that is another matter, but I see this as a way to get around obtaining a warrant for civil disobedience.

BigJimCalhoun · 09-15-2011, 18:30

I wonder if one could file a freedom of information act to request a list of all county vehicles passing through. I would hate to think that some taxpayer money was being used for non-governmental travel in county vehicles. If it reallly is about the money, I am sure there would be no objection to a citizens audit