Spy and surveillance equipment is generally available to the public at large as well as law enforcement agencies. Here we examine how they are being used in the wrong hands and what the case is for not banning them from public sale

Spy Gadgets - Sitting On Both Sides Of The Law

If you have worked ‘at the coal face’ in the legal profession for an extended period of time then you will know that spy gadgets and surveillance equipment are employed on a daily basis. Year on year the spy equipment has become ever more sophisticated and useful at capturing evidence in relation to criminal activity or in providing the ability to trap criminals in the act. Spy gadgets are not just available to the law enforcement or official investigation sectors, but they are, on the whole’ available to anybody who has the money and/or inclination to buy this type of equipment and this of course means the criminal fraternity as well.

The latest magnetic vehicle trackers enable intelligence to be gathered on the movements of any vehicle. Criminals may be interested in tracking the movements of vehicles carrying expensive items for delivery and certain types of criminal maybe interested in tracking opposing criminal gangs to ensure that they do not encroach onto their area. Counter-surveillance equipment is also a must have for high level criminals who want to ensure the integrity of their own unit from rival gangs of criminals as well as law enforcement authorities who may be using spy gadgets to gain knowledge about their criminal activities and association to other criminals. Audio listening and recording devices may provide knowledge about spies in their own camp. Spy cameras can be used in a similar way, but also will provide a level of protection by recording the law enforcement officers who may breach their own guidelines and legislation

Knowledge is power to criminals as well as the law enforcement authorities. Knowledge gained from surveillance equipment can assist in obtaining the perfect timing for a crime. So, should spy gadgets be available to the general public as well as those fighting criminal activity? The problem that we have here is that many innocent members of the public use spy gear to solve their personal problems. New innovative spy gadgets are developed in the public domain, so a ban would prevent advances in technology. In the majority these devices are used in a lawful manner, so for now, they need to stay available to the public.