Intelligence Databases - Your Digital Fingerprint
Think about it - every time you get arrested, apply for a driving licence, or even get cautioned, that information goes somewhere. Intelligence databases are massive digital filing cabinets that store billions of records about criminal activity, suspects, and even regular citizens.
The Police National Database holds over 3.5 billion records from 220 different databases - that's like having detailed files on half the world's population! Meanwhile, the Police National Computer (PNC) tracks 12 million people's arrests and convictions, plus everyone who's ever had a driving licence.
These systems are brilliant for connecting crimes across different areas and catching repeat offenders through DNA matches. However, they're not without problems - the Gangs Matrix was criticised for unfairly targeting young black men, and data leaks have put people's lives at risk.
Key Point: Intelligence databases can solve crimes quickly, but they raise serious questions about privacy and discrimination.