AND DEMOCRATS THINK PEOPLE DON'T WANT US TO LISTEN IN ON TERRORISTS?:

Criminal's worst nightmare: high-tech cars (FRAN SPIELMAN, 2/10/06, Chicago Sun-Times)

Two rooftop cameras capable of scanning the license plates of up to 3,600 parked or moving vehicles an hour.

A night-vision camera to hunt down suspects in hiding.

A portable computer capable of accessing state and federal crime databases and a wireless microphone to record suspect interviews.

Ford and General Motors have their "concept cars" on display at the Chicago Auto Show. So does the Chicago Police Department.

It's the squad car of the future -- but it's more like a police station on wheels. [...]

"The great thing about anti-crime technology is that it increases our crime-fighting capacity without hiring new personnel so the taxpayers get more law enforcement for each dollar. Just think how many police officers would be needed to take down 3,600 license numbers per hour and enter them in the computer. With this vehicle, it's done automatically while the officer turns their attention to more important things."

The Harrison District test is just a few weeks old, but it's already paying dividends, said First Deputy Police Supt. Dana Starks.

"Officers have been able to identify stolen cars and wanted offenders by patrolling certain hot spots and scanning the mobile license plate readers. The infrared night vision detects offenders in obscure locations. And the high-powered lights can light up crime scenes, helping detectives canvass an area for witnesses and evidence," Starks said.

"All of this technology combined under one roof helps officers to be more efficient. When you think about it, an officer's squad car is just as important as the weapon he or she carries."