Cops' database will catch murderers before they murder

The Inquirer
Nov. 29, 2006

UK COPPERS HAVE DECIDED to use an extensive, Minority Report-esque criminal database to target suspected offenders before they can make their move, reports The Times.

Profilers and psychologists are working on the list of the 100 most dangerous suspected murderers and rapists before crimes have even been committed. The police gave Soham murderer Ian Huntley as an example as to the kind of fella they'd really like to keep an eye on.

The database entries will be compiled from statements by former partners, getting information from mental health workers and details of past complaints - this should single out the more violent folk, says the Met.

Spokeslady Laura Richards from the Met's Homicide Prevention Unit told The Times: "There are some pretty dangerous people out there, so you need these risk models to wheedle them out, separate the wheat from the chaff," also known as separating the wheat from the chav.

Civil rights groups are understandably a bit miffed about the new plans, amidst concern about people being watched before they've actually done a thing. Privacy International director Simon Davies reckons "It is obscene to suggest there should be a 'crime idol' list of those who might commit an offence. The police are systematically moving the boundaries as to where they can exercise their powers."