CDR: fingerprinting homeless
anonymous at openpgp.net
anonymous at openpgp.net
Tue Oct 10 10:35:51 PDT 2000
Looking forward to chip-implants in
homeless people...
California county plans to
fingerprint homeless
October 10, 2000
Web posted at: 9:32 AM EDT (1332 GMT)
RIVERSIDE, California (AP) -- County officials are planning
a voluntary fingerprint program for the homeless as part of an
effort they say will provide better services.
"This is strictly for the purpose of identifying an individual so
we can track their services more effectively and better plan
for their needs," Kevin Gaines, spokesman for the Riverside
Countys Department of Public Social Services, said Monday.
But some of the homeless and their advocates say the move is
too intrusive.
"Im not hiding anything but I think its just getting into my
business a little bit," Gary Cervantes said. "It feels a little bit
like they are tagging an animal."
Attorney Dan Tokaji of the American Civil Liberties Union
said homeless people would be intimidated into taking part in
the program.
"When you have someone in position of power requesting
information from a needy person, there is inherent coercion,"
he said.
Officials say fingerprinting will provide a more reliable count
of the homeless and access to more federal grants to help
them. They are planning to visit shelters beginning next month.
Some transients see the benefits of the program.
Angel Monroy recalled that doctors had troubled identifying
him after he lapsed into a coma in 1992.
"When you live on the streets anything could happen where
you would need to be identified," he said.
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