Everyone wants to know how to beat a speeding ticket, red light camera, or breathalyzer test but how many actually believe they are innocent? Regardless your motive, the common denominator is that you have a legal right under the United States Constitution to provide a valid defense for the alleged violation. I am sure some of you are asking, “What does this have to do with technology or security?†and my response is, EVERYTHING!
The Inside Scoop
On January 7th, 2010 I was pulled over by a Lakeland Police Officer who allegedly clocked me going 64MPH in a 40MPH zone. I had just turned right to go to my locksmith training , I waited at a red light and pulled up next to a truck when he was pointing the laser radar gun (lidar) in my direction. I didn’t believe I was speeding but decided to not speak up since it was my word against a machines. Amazed at the alleged speed, I elected to go to court rather then pay the $264 for something that I believed to be inaccurate. This is when it all started…
The Crossroads
My arraignment was set for February 11th and the Hearing Officer (Judge) opened up with a statement explaining the State of Florida presumes that any electronic device used for measuring speed is considered accurate and operating correctly if the operator provides proof of training, the radar gun has it’s 6 month certification, and the radar gun log with the date in question on it. This left me in a very awkward state; Do I pursue my innocence or just suck it up and get railroaded? Of course I plead ‘Not Guilty’ and made an ad-hoc request to the Hearing Officer/Judge. My request was for the release of the source-code used by the radar gun in question. My prior research before court showed that the LTI 20/20 Radar Gun has had a well researched case in its inaccuracy. The source-code was ordered to be released and they pushed back the court date when I was attending locksmith courses , to give the State of Florida ample time to request and deliver.
A Sticky Situation
If the State of Florida relies on a lock picking courses , and devices to bring charges, infractions, or fines then its only legal that the same device should considered for a competent defense for the Defendant ensuring the rights under the Florida and United States Constitution. If the device source-code is withheld then what defense does the Defendant have? What will the auto locksmith courses , source code tell us? If it is withheld, what is it hiding besides trade-secrets? Where will closed-source devices used by Government agencies lead our civil rights since the use of technology is growing more and more everyday? Will non-disclosure of source-code open up Pandora’s box for anyone cited or charged where an electronic device was used to determine guilt? I don’t know, but I can tell you that my motive is not to try to save the world.