Compelling Evidence: Using Standard Public Key Cryptography
Gerhard Lamprecht, Brendon Bentley · Traffic Technology International · 2008
This article describes developments in speed radar and public key cryptography that could have significant impact on evidence and enforcement practices. A new generation of radar, Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) promises to permit more accurate speed radar collection by eliminating incorrect readings and permitting the measuring of multiple vehicles. Jamming devices can be circumvented by using radar that detects their presence and applying signal-processing or other techniques to evade the jammer's effect. So-called stealth radars can also be used. They work by using existing radio transmissions and so cannot be jammed. With the increasing use of digital speed cameras, there is growing concern about the security of the transmission systems by which digital images are sent and received by various law enforcement and judicial agencies. This concern is heightened by the length of time such information must remain accessible and secure if it is determined to be useful as evidence in a prosecution. A public key system of cryptography could address a number of these concerns, including the need for ease of use, so that managing the data does not become cumbersome.