What felonies are those normal citizens being convicted of that's landed them in prison?
I get the basic 'not wanting everyone's comms to be monitored' part. I think there's an important conversation to be had because indeed, that can't be the answer.
But it sounds like you're saying most people who are convicted of felonies based on a jury unanimously being convinced by the electronic evidence against them... those people are unjustly in prison?
Certain people are arrested and detained far often than others, because of who they are and not what they did.
Many positions in the justice system prioritize conviction rate above all else.
There are many problematic relationships between legislators, law enforcement and the for-profit prison systems.
Our position in this list should make anyone afraid:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_incarcera...
If LE decides you should be "taken off the streets", regardless of if you did the crime you are accused of, you are likely going to prison for something unless you are wealthy. If you are wealthy, they may not bother. All very interesting.
Why would the "best and brightest" work for governments that pay a fraction of market price?