Surge in security tech seen under Obama

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PHOENIX, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Police across the United States say they are encouraged about the prospects for new security technology under Barack Obama's administration.

Obama's nominee for Homeland Security secretary, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, has been a staunch advocate of using the latest surveillance and identification technologies for law enforcement purposes, USA Today reported Tuesday.

The newspaper said Napolitano led the effort in Arizona to promote advanced database scans and broader DNA collection policies.

While police say the technologies make it easier to flush out criminals, civil liberties advocates say they are wary about the effects technology can have on privacy.

"She sees technology as the panacea of all our law enforcement problems and immigration issues," said Alessandra Soler Meetze, head of the American Civil Liberties Union chapter in Arizona. "It's like she's embracing these technologies without taking the time to appreciate the privacy implications."