[sasasassy]

Sure, it sucks, and the bureaucracy that is the NYPD probably means records are kept from longer than they should, and that is bad. But still, the kids data will not be used against them later on, i.e. crimes they commit at that time won't be prosecuted. Their data only helps arrest them if they actually commit a crime, so they would be the ones breaking the rule of law.

[magduf]

If you think the law is bad, then you should work with the government to get the law changed. Otherwise, you need to follow the law.

At least, that's what the police will tell you when you break the law. So why should they get a pass? It doesn't matter if the law actually isn't useful or is causing harm; the police are more bound to follow and enforce it than anyone else. So why are you making excuses for them?

[lmm]

I would make excuses for anyone who violated the law while acting with good intentions. The rule of law is important. But so is having a sense of proportion about illegality.