The Observation Deck

Joe Whisman wrote:Watch out for big brother. What is next thought police? Proceed with caution!

The thought police already post here

The thought police already post here

They sure do!

I was going to post on this in another thread when someone brought up security cameras in their post...I as well have seen and read about the cameras in the UK and think it would be great idea here. Personally I have no "big brother" issues for these reasons:

1.) I don't think there would ever be enough money or manpower to actively watch "live" feeds over many multiple cameras and have feet on the street

2.) Unless you are doing something unlawful or maybe even naughty, why would you care if the cameras are on you? OK, maybe if your simply paranoid.

3.) I see cameras more as a "something happened" let's pull tape type of application... rather than a voyuer cam

Cameras seem interesting but are the effective because criminals are a cowardly lot (at least Batman says they are) or because they actually increase convictions of crimes? Other than the odd license plate being caught on camera, how do people figure out who the criminals are? Take the shots of kids vandalizing and give them to the schools to figure out? Post them on the 'Deck? Just curious. Who would get them? The back of Madison Bowl or just city property?

Would the city support this over a levy for more police? Would this be used as an excuse to cut police to make the costs work out?

There are two cameras in the parking lot by the skate park.

It would be easy to find out what other cities, like Chicago have done since they report less crime in those areas. Since everyone is worried about vandalism and the parks I don't see how it could hurt to look into it. I don't see how police could be cut anyway but that doesn't mean Lakewood should not be open to new ideas. Preventative. And I bet there are a ton of ways if people are caught doing crimes on camera, to circulate pictures in Lakewood.

Justine Cooper wrote:It would be easy to find out what other cities, like Chicago have done since they report less crime in those areas. Since everyone is worried about vandalism and the parks I don't see how it could hurt to look into it. I don't see how police could be cut anyway but that doesn't mean Lakewood should not be open to new ideas. Preventative. And I bet there are a ton of ways if people are caught doing crimes on camera, to circulate pictures in Lakewood.

Justine

The whole note makes sense.

But this is a winner,

Justine Cooper wrote: ...but that doesn't mean Lakewood should not be open to new ideas.

All ideas need to be vetted, this one would seem to have potential. Not sure how much it costs, but I know it would hardly cost anything for a quick study.


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I would like to know if the cameras that were installed in 2005 have made a difference? It just seems odd to be having this discussion as if it were hypothetical given that cameras are already installed in our parks. Are the cameras making a difference? Have we captured any acts of vandalism on them? I would just like an update on what has already been done.

What cameras do you know of except the two at the skate park that are put up. Where and who monitors them?

I recently saw a special on the discovery channel I think about high speed cameras mounted on top of police cars to scan for stolen vehicles.

[url]http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/0726sr-licenseplates0726ON.html[url]

This looks to be similar, but the one on the show could scan over 100 a minute in traffic and store all the information in a database.

Part of the show talked about the "big brother" part of it, that at any time someone could search the database to know where your car has been, if it ever passed a car or a street corner with these cameras.

Pretty wild stuff.[/url]

Joe Whisman wrote:Watch out for big brother. What is next thought police? Proceed with caution!

What are YOU doing in public that you don't want to be seen doing? I saw this commentary and right away I thought it was an excellent idea. If I'm being violated in any way while out on Lakewood or Cleveland streets, I would love for the perpetrator to be caught on camera. And if I'm just out doing my business...who cares that I'm being taped. It won't even be reviewed if there's nothing reported in that area that needed looked at.

It's one of the necessary evils in this day and age...and definitely more productive than the red light/speed cameras....although not a money-maker which is the sole purpose of those!

What cameras do you know of except the two at the skate park that are put up. Where and who monitors them?

When this issue came up a couple years ago the press release was done at Madison Park. My understanding at that point was that the cameras were to first be set up at Madison Park and then at the other parks. Honestly that is the last I heard about the cameras. I would like to know if they are being monitored and where they are set up also? Does anyone in the know have an update?

Did anyone see the tape a bit back at the laundry mat with the young guy assaulting the woman in her sixties that worked there?> She fought so hard he left before being able to rape her thank god but he was caught on camera. I just think if something like this works in Chicago on a big scale, how could it not work here on a small scale. If we can't have thirty more cops driving around (and even if we can) the presence of one or both of those would deter criminal acts in this city.

Thinking out loud, It would seem logical to me, that the locations of the physical cameras should be known only to the police department, or those with an actual need to know.

Brick vs. Camera, brick usually wins.


Mark Allan Crnolatas

I think cameras are a great idea for areas that are otherwise unwatched at off hours, like parks and other public space. The only way to stop vandals other than having a cop standing in every park and graveyard 24 hours a day is the ability to catch them.

That being said, if cameras are used, they should be subject to public oversight and open meetings about their use, as well as audits to prevent abuse. Any tool that could be good for society is only good when it's under the gaze of all.