Discussion topic/Question

Your life is somewhere in a database

Many TV shows depict law enforcement personnel accessing readily accessible databases that contain all types of records about individuals -records about everything from address to telephone records to finances, insurance, and criminal history. The information you share with your bank, doctor, insurance agent, the TSA, ancestry kit companies, and on social media can make your life an open book. Here are some questions to address as you reflect on this: 1. Are you comfortable with giving away some of your privacy for increased security? Why or why not? How far would you let the government go in examining people's private lives? 2. How much access should we have to certain aspects of others' private lives? For example, should States share criminal databases? But should a database of people paroled or released for crimes be made public? Why or why not?

Peer's Discussion Post

Hello,

1. Are you comfortable with giving away some of your privacy for increased security? Why or why not? How far would you let the government go in examining people's private lives?

I would consider giving up some privacy for security. However, it can be dangerous to those when it leads to the abuse of power. There should be strong safeguards and limitations from the government to ensure security measures are controlled.

2. How much access should we have to certain aspects of others' private lives? For example, should States share criminal databases? But should a database of people paroled or released for crimes be made public? Why or why not?

When states share criminal databases, they can communicate more and"be more successful in identifying suspects and ultimately solving crimes" (Stemarie, 2024). However, access should be restricted to authorized personnel to protect individuals' privacy.

I have mixed feelings about making information about paroled or released individual's public. For one, employers and the public might find it useful, but everyone deserves a second chance with privacy restored. Public disclosure can make it harder for individuals to reintegrate into society, especially when seeking employment.

Reference

Stemarie, J. (2024 April 08). Data Sharing is the Future of Law Enforcement. Soundthinking. https://www.soundthinking.com/blog/data-sharing-is-the-future-of-law-enforcement/

Respond to the "Peer's Discussion Post" above in not more than three paragraphs, agree or disagree, your responds must be supported byrelevant information. Prove the point you are making by a) citingexternal research, b) citing readings from the class content, or c) providing examples or personal experiences that are relevant and support your position on the topic. It is always better to begin your reflection on the topic by doing some research/reading, either a) or b) or both, before considering personal experience. Ask a question to further the discussion.