Interesting to read in the Salt Lake Tribune how officials are planning on issuing ID cards to the homeless.
In a blog I wrote, I considered having a listing of the homeless, making them registered, in a way. I thought having registered homeless people was a novel idea. But, apparently, it isn't.
In my system, you would simply be listed. I had not thought of ID cards. And, having heard of the cards, I would guess they will be optional, not required of everyone staying at the shelter.
The article quoted a statement from the ACLU of Utah as saying the ID card process "may have been initiated without the proper privacy protections in place." I'm not sure what protections the ACLU is seeking. The article doesn't say.
The card-issuing process does survey the homeless, asking them questions that are evidently standard to them when they are seeking services. But, questions about why they came here, and where they came from evidently are not standard.
I would guess the ID cards would be legal if they are not required. As for the information provided, I wonder if it should held away from law enforcement agencies. Or, at very least, if it is to be given to them, the homeless should be told it will be. The concern is that their privacy not be compromised. The concern is wrongful search and seizure.
And, the surveys should be optional. When services are provided, only the information needed in order to extend the services should be required. And, it should be made clear to the homeless which questions must be answered in order to receive services, and which are optional.
The data bases used for serving the homeless should not be tied in with those the police have, nor should the information be turned over to the police.
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