NCJ Number
118650
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 61 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1989) Pages: 117-120
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The use of an upgraded identity (ID) card in the United Kingdom would increase the apprehension rate for criminals without further decreasing privacy rights for citizens.
Abstract
The proposed ID card would be virtually damage-proof and as difficult to forge as a treasury note. It would contain the carrier's photo (renewable every 3 years or so), name and address, nationality, blood group, fingerprint classification, and perhaps tax group and employment status. Fugitives would be prevented from obtaining food, money, or shelter without producing their ID cards, which would then ensure their being identified for capture. It would be mandatory to present the card for any form of State aid or official license. Employers would have to see the card before a person is hired, and hoteliers and landlords would similarly be required to examine the cards of tenants or guests. Banks, building societies, moneylenders, insurance companies, etc., would have the right to demand sight of the ID card before any financial transactions were completed. Since all of the foregoing transactions already require some form of certification, an ID system would involve nothing new. The significant difference would be that the current varied and easily falsified ID instruments would be replaced by a single, cheat-proof scheme.