Careers: Police/warrant database

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Expert: - 6/7/2009


Question
QUESTION: Can a private apartment complex have a camera at the gate that takes a picture of the license plate then access the warrant data base to see if there is a warrant on the plate and notify the police if there is?

ANSWER: I'd don't know why they couldn't.  A camera can be placed in public unless the person has an expectation of privacy and the gate of an apartment complex is not a private place.

But I would be interested in knowing how the management has access to a warrant database.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I know they have the right to place the camera up the question I wanted answered is do they have the right to access the warrant data base? They are not a government agency, I don't see how they have the right to access the database.

Answer
Ok you asked me if they can place a camera at a gate.  I told you they could.  

Without knowing what database they are using how do you expect me to answer the question?  It could be that they are simply calling the police with every tag number that they are suspicious of.  It also could be that they have off-duty police officers working for them.

It seems to me that its a good idea to lock up people with warrants and that people should be in favor of such a system.

Careers: Police

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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