When it’s determined that the government made a mistake in imprisoning someone, you would think they would offer some consolation for the time that the victim spent behind bars. But, in most cases, you would be wrong. Generally, people who are actually guilty and serve their terms get more when released than those who were wrongfully incarcerated. A recent case out of North Carolina exhibits this well. [Read more…]
Police Technology Finds Stolen Vehicles, But Tracks All Drivers
The police department in Raleigh, NC has a new device in its arsenal for finding stolen cars, but raises significant privacy concerns with all the information it is collecting in the process. [Read more…]
Durham County D.A. “Mistakes” Lead to Dismissals, Appeals
The position of the Durham County District Attorney is not one that’s new to the spotlight. After the Duke Lacrosse case involving former D.A. Mike Nifong, the office gained national notoriety. Now, the local News & Observer is bringing actions of the new D.A. to light. According to them, District Attorney Tracey Cline may be more concerned with winning than with doing what’s right. [Read more…]
Proposed NC Crime Lab Changes Head to Legislature
After widely covered NC SBI crime lab shake up in 2010, the state lawmakers are getting around to making some progressive changes. These changes include ensuring the lab isn’t just the long hand of law enforcement, but a true fact finding and scientifically credible body. [Read more…]
Mobile Fingerprint Devices To Be Used by NC Law Enforcement
According to the Raleigh News & Observer, thirteen police agencies within the state will begin a new program next month—one that allows them to scan fingerprints with a hand held device, checking them against a database while out in the field. While supporters state it’s just an additional tool to help cops identify the people they deal with, critics site potential privacy risks. [Read more…]
Shake-Up At NC Crime Lab
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is under new leadership as the former chief was recently removed and placed in another position within the state’s Department of Justice. Her removal follows serious criticism of the crime lab under her direction and her recent acknowledgement of ignorance to many of the Bureau’s policies. [Read more…]