Driving in Chicago - Warnings From the Police

Chicago PD is using automated license plate readers.  While these devices certainly have an application in law enforcement, I'm wary of their widespread deployment.  They have the capability to ensure that every minor motor vehicle regulation is enforced.  (In Boston, the city transportation department mounted them on a Ford Explorer for parking enforcement.)  While I'm not opposed to motor vehicle enforcement, I am opposed to the 100% enforcement of almost any regulatory scheme.  A society that has no wiggle room is a society that has no freedom, hence no spirit or creativity.

Chicago PD has also deployed lidar, the laser speed guns against which your radar detector is probably useless.  Watch the traffic in front of you for brake lights.

Finally, keep an eye on your catalytic converter in Chicago.  It seems they're being cut out of cars in large parking lots.  The police wonder why, and blog to ask what the thieves want the rhodium and palladium for.  The PD is asking what the metals are for?  Apparently they haven't heard of Google.

Sheesh....