From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Crime prediction and its unintended consequences.

Hello again, I'm Warren Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

The state of New York wants psychotherapists to report any client likely to turn violent so authorities can confiscate weapons.

President Obama and Congress are looking for ways that mental health agencies can share information so law enforcement can take action.

Is the next step preventive detention for people who've never committed crimes?

Is prediction possible?

Or is there no choice but to wait for violence to happen?

We'll hear about the scientific, legal, and ethical controversies

provoked by the outrage over a rash of mass killings.

On reporter's notebook later on Telecom Monopolis and Internet Access.

First, here's the news.

Listen to KCRW's 24-hour all-news channel.

Stream BBC World Service, NPR and KCRW programs.

Continuous coverage and accessible via our smartphone app or online at kCRW.

Support for To the Point comes from the members of KCRW and from the Public Radio International Program Fund.

Hello again, Warren.

Alney, back with To the Point.

The rash of mass killings has renewed multiple controversies about mobilizing science and medicine to prevent violent crime.

What are the legal and ethical issues and the prospect for unintended consequences?

We'll talk about that today.

...