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There's a well known technique used by cops (relayed to me by a handful of retired NYC cops that worked security at a former job): you let the small time offend
by jballanc 14y ago
There's a well known technique used by cops (relayed to me by a handful of retired NYC cops that worked security at a former job): you let the small time offenders go, so that they are more willing to help you with the big problems down the line.
One cop explained it like this: "We'd find guys smoking dope on their stoop, say hello, and just keep walking," he told me. "But we'd remember their names and faces. Then, when there was a murder or rape in the neighborhood, we would drive around, pick them up, and say 'Remember when you were smoking dope and we didn't say anything? Well, now we need you to repay the favor. Give me some names...'"
In one sense, it was a way to coerce inside intelligence contacts. In another sense, it was cops recognizing that in a city like NYC, there are bigger problems than someone smoking pot on their doorstep.
Now the internet is the city, and these cops are arresting every jaywalker and litterer they can find. Somehow, I doubt it will turn out well in the long run...
- JonLim 14y agoWell, when the cops are pushed by big industry corporations to heed their every beckon and call, it's not surprising that they shoot first and ask questions later. It seems to be encouraged.
- fffggg 14y agoIt's much, much worse than what you describe. They are seizing domains based on the preference of a private entity. There is no allegation of criminal infringement against dajaz1.com -- not even a little bit. This is not an issue of harassing minor offenders, this is an issue of harassing those who have not offended in the slightest. Who are guilty of nothing more than saying something (in the form of links) which the RIAA does not wish to hear.
- GFischer 14y agoI remember having heard about dajaz, yes. Rojadirecta is an interesting case, in that they were infringing on copyright, but they were found legal in Spain (different legislation), so the U.S. government seized the .com and .org anyways.
- dalke 14y agoThey were not infringing on copyright. That is, the US Justice Department and Immigrations and Custom Enforcement - after 20 months - dropped the case. There was no trial, no judgement, not even a settlement with a "fine but with no admittance of guilt." There was nothing. So, how are you sure that they were infringing on copyright?
- 001sky 14y agoRules designed to be broken also has the effect you describe. When everyone breaks the law daily in some [trivial] way, selective enforcement is enabled. If its [non-trivial], presumably its closer to black mail.
- lubujackson 14y agoIt's more like they locked the doors and put police tape over someone's home for a year because a neighbor reported smelling pot nearby. No trial, no crime, and not even initiated by the police.