New technology supports Albuquerque warrant arrests

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5 responses to “New technology supports Albuquerque warrant arrests”

1. Jordan Baines

   October 26, 2023

   This article talks about Albuquerque police departments new technology to track down people with warrants. It is through an app called warrant track and it pops up with a map that shows who and where people are that have warrants for their arrest. The good thing about this app is that it is making it easier for the department to location some people with warrants out that are for violent and dangerous crimes. The thing that concerns me is our jails, prisons, and courts overflowing with people that have the most minor arrest warrants. I am wondering if having this app for officers may become another form of over policing or lead to more misconduct? And is this app a violation of privacy if it is able to track peoples locations?

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   1. Anastasia Dubinsky

      October 27, 2023

      Hi Jordan! Reading this article makes me think about a case we spoke about in class. A man with the same name as another was unlawfully arrested three times on a warrant that just matched his name, but not his social security number, birthday, or appearance. I think this could definitely open doors for more misconduct and unlawful arrests. As described in class, if someone does not have
      a form of ID on them, they could easily be arrested. You also mentioned a big problem-overcrowding in jails and prisons. I completely agree, and I believe something like this could worsen the problem, or let people walk with larger crimes because the jail is overcrowded.

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   2. Thomas Fields

      October 27, 2023

      Hello Jordan! Warrant track concerns me in the way it operates. It could be considered an overreach of police power. While I understand the need to find individuals with warrants, tracking their location seems excessive. A list of their details and residence seems to be a lot more appropriate and not give off the sense of law enforcement overreaching. While individuals with warrants related to severe crimes should be easily found, it is still debatable if law enforcement should be given the power to actively see where individuals with warrants are at all times. I see a lot of legal problems coming from warrant track, as it’s legality seems dubious.

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   3. Laci Thomas

      October 27, 2023

      Hey Jordan, I agree that this could turn into over policing if it isn’t already. It is a good technique for finding those with warrants, but is it only tracking those with warrants. If it is able to track someone with a warrant how do we draw the line at only people with warrants. This software much like all other police software can be used in a negative way. If it is used for its intended use then it is a good idea. If it becomes a problem of over crowding then maybe it could be used for only certain warrants. For instance higher crimes such as finding distributors or sex offenders. That is one way they could keep from over policing.

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2. Raegan Conard

   October 30, 2023

   What are the potential implications of implementing new tracking technology like Warrant Track for individuals’ privacy, civil liberties, and the overall criminal justice system? The introduction of the new technology in Albuquerque, known as Warrant Track, aimed to improve law enforcement’s ability to track and apprehend individuals with active warrants, with the potential benefits of increased public safety and more efficient criminal justice operations. However, there are several unintended consequences associated with such systems. First, concerns over privacy and civil liberties arise as this technology can potentially lead to widespread surveillance and the abuse of personal data. Inaccuracies or misidentifications in the tracking system can result in innocent individuals being targeted or apprehended, like the situation we talked about in class with David Sosa. The focus on warrant enforcement could also divert resources away from addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and community policing, potentially intensifying the underlying issues. Lastly, these technologies might disproportionately affect marginalized communities, perpetuating systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system. I think that the implementation of Warrant Track should be closely monitored to ensure it strikes a balance between public safety and civil liberties while minimizing adverse effects on vulnerable populations.

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