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Nov 10 2009

How will the future crime database work?

28 min 4 movies discussed
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The US and England have databases containing DNA from millions of citizens. Originally only criminals were included, but as the programs expanded many more people were added. Learn how these databases work -- and why they were built -- in this episode.

AI Summary

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck dive into the fascinating and slightly unsettling world of crime prediction databases and DNA profiling. They explore how law enforcement agencies in the US and UK are building massive databases that could potentially predict who might commit crimes before they actually happen, drawing comparisons to the sci-fi thriller Minority Report. The hosts examine the privacy concerns, potential for abuse, and ethical questions surrounding these systems that collect DNA samples from people who've simply been arrested, not necessarily convicted of anything.


Movies Discussed

Dexter
Dexter
2006
★ 8.2
"Dexter, you ever seen that? I haven't yet, but I am aware. — Josh references Dexter when discussing vigilantes who believe they're doing society a service by killing people." — Josh
Minority Report
Minority Report
2002 2h 25m
★ 7.4
"have you ever seen Minority Report? I have, sure. Steven Spielberg and The Cruise. — Josh uses the movie as an example to introduce the concept of predicting and preventing crimes before they happen." — Chuck
Six Feet Under
Six Feet Under
2001
★ 8.1
"I love Six Feet Under. Nate dies, by the way. — Chuck mentions the show and spoils a major plot point while discussing the actor who plays Dexter." — Chuck
The First 48
The First 48
2004
★ 7.9
"You ever watch the movie, or the show, The First 48? No. Dude. I heard it's good. — Josh mentions the show while discussing crime databases and how detectives access the National Crime Information Center." — Josh

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