Use Covert Video

I don't understand it when people use phrases like "but David Cameron said this" or "but William Hague said that" against me in debates on various blogs' comments, especially considering how critical I've been of the former. Perhaps some people don't get that you can be a Tory and not be a Conservative.

So, once more, in the interests of balance ...

Guardian: Police would be given greater powers to conduct surveillance operations on people suspected of crimes such as burglary and vehicle theft under plans the Conservative Party will announce today.

Dominic Grieve, the shadow home secretary, will pledge to amend the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act so that police no longer need to secure authorisation to conduct surveillance on those suspected of non-terrorist offences.

The changes would mean that the police would automatically be able to:

· Use covert video or listening devices in premises or vehicles.
· Watch premises to identify or arrest suspects.
· Conduct visual surveillance of public locations.
· Patrol, in uniform or plain clothes.
· Use thermal imaging and X-ray technology.
· Conduct surveillance using visible CCTV cameras.

I'm not too keen on that. I had high hopes for Mr Grieve, too.