[jambutty]

OK! So these machines only take the fingerprint of a forefinger. So what? It is still a fingerprint that, we are led to believe, is unique to each person.

If the index finger print doesn’t match anything on the database firefighter753, what then? Next time it will because in spite of the claims that no data will be kept there is no guarantee that, that will be the case. It would be next to impossible to establish that the print has not been retained.

Whether you like it or not I will keep on about a police state because slowly but surely we are heading that way. New technology should be used to fight crime and gather evidence of the crime and not harass the innocent law abiding person. There are many, many more law abiding citizens than there are criminals. The police can find the manpower when it comes to policing a state visit or a legal demonstration or a football match. But they can’t find the manpower to police the streets. The cost of all this new technology would be better served by increasing police numbers.

I don’t break the law but I do worry and I have every reason to. I’ve been burgled 7 times, mugged once and attacked twice that led to ABH and GBH at my front and back door. In my previous home my kitchen window had a brick thrown through it, my minibus was vandalised then set on fire, my car was attacked and nearly all the windows were put through. Why? Two reasons – as an attendant sports leader at the Roman Road Community Centre I wouldn’t allow the local thugs and yobbos to take over the centre and it was my evidence that got one burglar and one attacker put away.

As each day passes I grow older and because I live on my own, become more vulnerable. The only time that I am likely to step out of my front door during the dark hours is if the flat is on fire. So where is my good life?

But you are right firefighter753 it is the do-gooders that are the problem - for interfering in the judicial system and preventing criminals getting real punishment for their crimes.