Michigan State Police Drop Out of 'Matrix' Program

State police officials say they will drop out of a multistate data-collection system that came under fire as a potential threat to people's privacy. The Michigan State Police said it will stop participating in the pilot project, known as ``Matrix,'' when it ends March 18. The department said too few states are participating to make the project worthwhile. The project began in December 2003 with 13 states. Now only Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Connecticut remain. State police also said they were concerned about future funding and unrealistic expectations to expand the Multistate Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange. "The need for law enforcement investigators to access legally available information sources for criminal investigations continues to be a critical goal,'' said Lt. Colonel Peter Munoz, deputy director and commander of the Field Services Bureau. The project collects data, including driver's license and criminal history information, and shares access with participating states. Critics have argued the system gives law enforcement unprecedented access to details about innocent people. The American Civil Liberties Union, which sued last summer to stop Michigan's participation, complained the project violates state law prohibiting police from participating in interstate intelligence gathering without legislative approval or outside oversight. [more]

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