Yes, I said Pre-crime. What is Pre-crime? According to a report in the Associated press, police officers monitor hundreds of video surveillance feeds from across New Jersey and opt to brand would-be criminals with a red glow if they believe they are about to engage in a crime, such as a street corner mugging. Whereas London has talking cameras, we’re about to deploy light projecting cameras, better known as light-based intervention systems. Pre-crime measures have been deployed both in the UK and United States, as well as other countries. Talking cameras in the UK bark orders at ‘anti-social’ offenders, while the Homeland Stasi here has partnered with Intellistreets to release “smart” street lights capable of saving energy while monitoring & recording citizens, as well as displaying government-mandated emergency alerts on digital banners. Now “pre-crime” spotlights that bathe video surveillance targets in a criminally-branded red color will help complete the circle of preemptive suspicion.
This gives a whole new meaning to the term “caught red handed.” I can also envision a future where the law abiding citizens are bathed in green light, the people that are being watched but not closely are in yellow, and if you are covered in red you better run. It does seem a bit strange that we are headed in this direction, but if it is an effective deterrent I guess it makes sense. It sure would help a lot of would be victims.
Imagine walking across the street and seeing a red light covering somebody walking towards you. I think you would most likely keep an extra tight hold on your purse or wallet. I can also see it rapidly changing the minds of potential criminals if they were suddenly covered in red. I guess they would quickly realize their criminal intent was not so easily hidden.
Of course there will be mistakes with this kind of pre-crime deterrent. I am sure many law abiding people will get falsely covered in red, but that could be a badge of honor as well among those who want to be thought of as social outcasts but not criminals. Can you hear the future bragging rights, “Man, I am always in the red when I walk down the streets. Cops fear me man. They keep me in the red because I am a bad ass.” Yes that is sure to come if this trend takes a hold and grows. The big question is will it provide citizens with more Security? One thing for sure, the new terms will come hard and fast and I am sure there will be counter lighting to fight the red light by the new system. Someone will develop an app that pulses white light against the red and makes the red undetectable. Yes, it’s all coming and I can’t wait to see it in all of its red glory.