As we’ve seen time and time again, many police officers have a strong objection to being recorded. We’re guessing the St. Clair County (IL) Sheriff’s Department doesn’t share those sentiments, though.
Last week they rolled out their latest weapon in the war against crime: a 12,000-pound armored vehicle equipped with video cameras, digital recorders and live video streaming computers.
‘The Exterminator’ will be parked in front of suspects’ homes and video from the four cameras is streamed live to computers at the Sheriff’s Department. Investigators can even see live video on their smart phones.
This is the anti-undercover vehicle. Its hulking presence is meant to intimidate and unsettle. As the police say:
“We will not tolerate drug trafficking, littered lawns, loud noise and other neighborhood nuisances. If you can’t live peacefully with your neighbors – we will send “The Exterminator!””
And The Exterminator can’t see into people’s homes or record audio; it can only capture what it going on on the public streets. Police say there are no privacy concerns since it’s the same thing as if an officer were on patrol outside your house. (And the vehicle was donated, not paid for by taxpayers.)
So what do you think — ingenious crime-fighting tool, or Big Brother-esque drone that’ll just re-locate criminals?
Source: The Exterminator and KMOV
boywithgrenade.org 
So the cops are pretty much admitting that they do use intimidation tactics against the public. Not surprising. But without the ability to record sound how will the “Intimidator” be able to document excessive noise?
Also, what criteria will be used to decide to park this in front of someone’s house? A complaint from a neighbor? How sound (pun intended) is that? People lie all the time, especially when involved in neighbor disputes. Seems like this intimidation tool will be abused by some disgruntled members of the public in order to harass their neighbors.
But if you see the Intimidator parked in front of your house make sure you grab your cameras and start recording the passive-aggressive harassment being performed by the cops. Once they see you recording they’ll actually probably get their lazy asses out to the scene to harass you the old fashion way.
You know what would send the Intimidator a strong message? A big can of black spray paint. Just make sure you’re covered up and wearing a ski mask when you go all Picasso on it.
That’s one of the most absurd things I’ve ever seen.
I have mixed feelings about this one.
On the one hand, it’s hard not to laugh.
On the other, just think what this would do in a neighborhood where drug activity is known.
I’d love to have it parked in front of my house. I’d take pictures of them taking pictures of me taking pictures of them taking pictures……. LOL
Statistically, CCTV cameras installed by cities and law enforcement have mixed reviews when it comes to ACTUALLY preventing crime. They’ll you tell you that they do (just like red light cameras prevent accidents), but that is not always the case.
I think every cop should be followed with a camera so they don’t abuse their authority or commit criminal acts because they know they can get away with it.
Ever hear of the Lucifer Effect? Read the book. It will open your eyes to the relationship between power, abuse, and corruption.