The cameras pictures which can be viewed over the internet are being watched by officers in their patrol cars on their laptops and of course back at police headquarters. They have already actually identified some bad guys thru the surveillance cameras so it is paying off.
To date 20 other cities are doing similar programs. I remember Denver, Colorado using cameras to cut down on graffiti taggers not long ago.
The idea of course is to cut down on crime in the face of declining manpower resources almost every city faces due to budget cuts. These tools can be used 24/7/365 with no sick days or overtime.
The recordings form the basis for prosecuting cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. It is mighty strong evidence to be sure.
The cameras are only recording public areas protecting citizen privacy. The ACLU of course is on the case claiming it is leading to a "surveillance society."
In Great Britain, by way of example, surveillance cameras are everywhere on city streets and transportation hubs. If you walk on a city street in London, you are on video at least once.
The cameras "will deter bad behavior by exposing crimes in progress, helping prosecutions and preventing camera-wary criminals from attempting to break the law" according to project coordinator Lt. Sandy Tudor.
The surveillance camera system is web based but don't look for anything on You Tube anytime in the future. It is only on the police department network further insuring privacy.
Just imagine the possibilities of a call coming in for help due to an assault. The assault is recorded on camera enabling an officer to get a great description of the bad guy greatly increasing chances of apprehension. This is crime fighting in the 21st century and just one possibility of what this technology can do.
A well placed home surveillance camera can send an awesome signal to a savvy bad guy. And don't fool yourself burglars are smart. Why would they knowingly commit a crime with a surveillance camera trained on their butt?
Surveillance cameras can definitely help in high crime areas to help eliminate the very real threats of vandals and gangs and most importantly help to keep your city safe
Jack Krohn owns 'Security Solutions' and has written over 400 articles on self defense and home security. 4 Channel USB DVR System IP Cameras Complete Surveillance Systems 4 Channel USB DVR System
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