Cop Fired For Using Database To Spy On Ex-Wives (original) (raw)

from the wonderful... dept

Here’s a fun one for people who keep pushing for a more complete database that ties together all of an individual’s personal information. People who complain point out that the data could be misused. Those who support the concept say that only trained law enforcement officials will have access to the data. Of course, what happens when you can’t trust the trained law enforcement officials? A police officer in Ohio has been fired after it was discovered he’s been spying on multiple ex-wives and relatives using the police database system. What’s interesting is how it was discovered. One of the wives noted that he seemed to have information he shouldn’t have. So, does that suggest a possible way to set up such a database — by letting those whose information is in the database see how it’s being used? By turning the spying around on those who have access to the database, someone in the database could make sure that it wasn’t being (mis)used without their knowledge.