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Beta-testers : EFF-Austin Law Enforcement Incidence Database
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Date: Tue, 24 Jan 1995 21:09:45 -0600 (CST)
From: David Smith
CALL FOR "BETA" TESTERS
EFF-Austin Law Enforcement Incidence Database January 24th, 1995
EFF-Austin is interested in creating and maintaining a database of search and seizures involving BBS systems / Internet sites.
The intention of such a database is to:
* provide a status of recent incidences of government search and seizures. A file is to be opened for each raid, and then tracked as it's case winds it's way through the legal system. Ex: what is the last we heard about the Rusty N Edie BBS case?* provide a historical record of past seizures. People new to the Net, for example, need to know about the Steve Jackson Games case, and other important cases.* track certain trends and trouble areas for civil libertarians, such as computers that are seized and never returned, people who are raided and never indicted, and the "downsizing" of draconian tactics, where those who are likely to cart stuff out the door are not the FBI, but rather state or local law enforcement.* provide primary and secondary documentation sources for journalists, students, activists, law enforcement, and anyone else interested in these issues.* track incidences that don't generate media coverage.
SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTATION (tentative)
February -- Beta-testing : fields, forms, and designing a database application accessible via gopher/Web. This is about six weeks.
March -- Start data entry on huge backlog of cases. Initial estimate : 150 to 200 cases to-date.
-- Public "un-veiling" during 1995 CFP. Important to have a sizeable chunk done (50 to 70 or so). Also want to create a "Top 10 List" of important cases.
WHAT WE NEED NOW IN TERMS OF BETA-TESTERS
We have taken an initial stab at designing a report format that we think will cover all the bases, do what we want it to do, and be useful.
We want feedback from :
* People most likely to use the database (journalists, activists, students, law enforcement officials, lawyers, etc.) to examine the reports, make suggestions, and provide feedback on what information you would want from such a database.* People experienced in designing databases accessible via the Internet. This should be accessible via gopher and the World Wide Web, though we haven't selected a database engine yet.
Since EFF-Austin is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization, we will need assistance from the entire online community in order to make this work. Anyone is eligible to contribute input or participate; you don't need to live in Austin or be a member of EFF-Austin.
Send e-mail to bladex@bga.com if you have any questions, comments, or want to join the project. ```
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