Glenn Reynolds’ Army of Davids concept has a new version: a Border Patrol of Davids.  Think of it as a virtual neighborhood watch, in which the state of Texas pays for its border control with advertising on a site that allows volunteers to stare into space, hoping to catch an illegal border crosser with a laptop:

Anyone, anywhere with a computer and a desire to protect the U.S.-Mexico border – or be a bit of a voyeur – can now get online and become a “Virtual Texas Deputy” by watching live streaming footage of the borderland.

The Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition and the social network BlueServo.net on Thursday launched the Internet border surveillance program that Gov. Rick Perry has been trying to get off the ground since 2006. …

In addition to advertisements, Virtual Texas Deputies will be able to view live footage from at least 10 cameras along the border. Reay said the number and locations of the cameras were being kept secret for security reasons.

When a virtual deputy spots suspicious activity, he or she can send an e-mail with the information.

Those hoping for voyeuristic thrills on this site will likely either experience crushing disappointment or have a low bar for excitement in the first place.  Besides, this promises at least the chance for interactivity.  If something suspicious is seen, the Virtual Texas Deputy can intervene by sending the tip and presumably catch the border crosser.  It may not have the immediacy of Grand Theft Auto, but it actually accomplishes something for those who care about border security.

Unfortunately, the concept may not be ending at the border:

And with $2 million in grant money from Perry and what BlueServo hopes is a high volume of Web hits that generate advertising dollars, the company also has aims to expand the program beyond the border to create a virtual neighborhood watch social network.

An Army of Big Brothers?  The border-watch program has a specific purpose, one that doesn’t overlap into surveillance of American populations.  The virtual neighborhood-watch system sounds like a new twist on the British impulse to have surveillance cameras aimed at every inch of public space, only in this system everyone can watch everyone … and probably will, at least while the novelty lasts.

I doubt either program will be effective, even in the short run during the novelty period.  The opportunities for mischief are too great, and the resources for rapid response too small.  Neighborhood watches work because the neighbors have a deep investment in the small area in which they surveil and a close relationship with law enforcement.   That won’t exist in either of these two systems, which will likely consign them to voyeur status after all.