Public Video Surveillance and Street Crime: Can One Prevent the Other?
The late great Charles Kuralt once wrote about the argument that television news can never be quite true to life because the camera's presence alters events. Luckily for him, this argument saved his life and those of others once in the then newly-liberated-from-Belgian-domination Congo; out-to-kill Congolese soldiers acted differently when camera and lights where present.
But can knowledge of the presence of video surveillance cameras operated by the government on a 24/7 basis deter crime in the streets?
Public Spending
Usually, the video surveillance systems you see are paid for by public funds and maintained by public personnel. When you see clearly visible surveillance cameras in the streets, some of which rise as high as 27 feet off the ground, you can bet your bottom dollar that you help installed and maintained them through your taxes.
These surveillance cameras are predicated on public safety and welfare, with the assertion that you and the rest of the law-abiding majority will be safer from street criminals. Cameras should deter people from committing crimes simply because a picture tells a thousand words and moving pictures with DVD definition tell a damning story. But will the ideal "should" equal the real "could"?
Public View
Since you shoulder part of the cost for video surveillance systems, you have to be able to express your opinion on them. Even among your circle of friends and family, opinions differ. Let us take a look into these and you can decide for yourself.
* The presence of video surveillance cameras can prevent crime simply because criminals will think twice about having damning evidence on their heads. It is like what Charles Kuralt wrote.
On the flip side, cameras do not deter crime simply because criminals can and do move into non-surveyed areas. Even for Big Brother, cameras can only see so far. These are short-term deterrents at most.
* You need not fear crime when 24/7 cameras are around. After all, nobody particularly likes to be recorded committing crimes and having these footages slapped before you in the court of law.
For most people however, surveillance cameras do not necessarily decrease fear of crime. Indeed, you should not feel any less vigilant for your personal safety in and outside your home, public video surveillance notwithstanding. Much as you would love otherwise, crime never rests.
* Public surveillance systems can monitor anti-social behavior, aid in solving traffic problems, and assist in identifying violators. In Britain, some surveillance cameras are equipped with loudspeakers that call the attention of people who litter the streets, ride their bicycles in pedestrian areas and other anti-social actions; just imagine having somebody you cannot see reprimanding you in front of so many people and you get the feeling. In major US cities, surveillance cameras help traffic controllers ensure the safety of motorists.
But and there are always buts in this case, surveillance cameras can imperil your privacy. You can be the target of discriminatory targeting, voyeurism, stalking and blackmail. Did you know that colored people, women and subjectively kooky individuals are often the targets of disproportionate attention from camera operators? It is human nature, if you will.
Given all these pros and cons, you should be able to decide whether you want video surveillance systems installed and maintained by your taxes in your neighborhood. Take into consideration that these cameras have 360 degree capacity, have high-definition quality and can detect movements as far away as a mile away.
Like every human invention, a surveillance camera and a wireless security camera have their benefits and flaws. Learn more about how video surveillance affects you at Video-Surveillance-Guide.com today!
Free Articles:
Birthday Video - Turn Your Childs Party Video Into A Fun Music Video
Kid Birthday Party - Birthday VideoMost people shoot some random video of their child's birthday party, then toss the video in a drawer and forget about it.Hey, we're talking about some precious video of an important event in your child's life.
Convert and Compress QuickTime Videos with Free MOV Video Converter from FXBear
FXBear Software Solutions (www.FXBear.com) today released a free MOV video converter, allowing users to convert QuickTime videos to other popular video file types. The free downloadable software is also capable of compressing QuickTime videos.
Video Blogging Made Easy -- Professional Video Blog WordPress Theme Makes Inserting Videos on a Blog As Easy As 1-2-3
Tuesday, March 18th, 2008 will mark a truly historic moment in the history of video blogging. Beginning at 1pm on this day, Ben Cope, The Internet Genius, will release the Video Blog Dream Theme, a premium WordPress theme designed exclusively for video bloggers.
The Video Blog Dream Theme makes it easy for blog owners to insert videos on their site, without having the hassle or frustration of trying to copy and paste the HTML embed code.
Ski Racing Videos.com provides free video hosting for ski teams and racers
Ski Racing Videos.com provides free hosting of videos for ski teams, racers, coaches, parents, and fans. Easily upload and share videos that are solely about ski racing. Including training and racing videos from Slalom, GS, Super G, Downhill, and skiercross.
Launch an Automotive Video Blog or Video Channel Using PowerTV Online
Automotive enthusiasts, video bloggers, and car forums can use PowerTV Online to launch their own video blog, video channel, or Web TV Channel for free on automotive performance!
Makeup Mondo - Dedicated Makeup Video Site Launches With Free Professional Celebrity Makeup Video Tips
Makeup Mondo, a Los Angeles based internet video start-up dedicated to innovative video content on makeup, is launching its first round of free how to video tips - clear and easy how to videos deliver a step-by-step guide to red carpet celebrity makeup looks.
NewBlue Cartoonr Offers Free Cartoon Effect Plugin and Transforms Video into Animation for Free
High-end cartoon effects are no longer the exclusive domain of Hollywood big boys thanks to video effects plugin creator NewBlue, Inc. Now anyone using leading desktop video software can animate live-action video by downloading NewBlue Cartoonr, the company's fast, easy and free way to give scenes a cartoon look.
Where To Get Broadband Quality Online Videos & Video Podcasts About World Travel For Free
If you are looking to find broadband quality online videos and video pod casts about good holiday destinations and world travel on the internet for free, then please read our free guide below which will save you time searching on the web and will give you some great websites to investigate further.
Watch interesting music videos, extreme sports video, and crash video online through Video Tubes
Internet has gained its popularity amongst every individual. Every one including kids enjoys surfing on Internet. Do you have missed your favorite television program? Do you wish to watch your favourite videos, music online? Now all your questions come under one roof. Video tubes are the solution to all your questions.
DVDVideoSoft Releases Free Video Dub -- Free Lossless Video Editor
DVDVideoSoft -- an Internet resource dedicated to free software, multimedia software guides and tutorials -- has just released new video-editing software called Free Video Dub.
New Versions of Free Video Editing Software, Video Converters Available at DVDVideoSoft
DVDVideoSoft, an independent software vendor, announces the bulk update of its free video editing software. This site also provides a free video converter and multimedia software guides and tutorials.
New Version of VZOchat, a Free High-Speed Video Messenger, is Available for Video Chatting
Join the constantly growing community of more than 220,000 users of VZOchat worldwide at vzochat.com. They all have seen what real video chatting is, and now it is your turn. The VZOchat technology streams video in such a way that even a slow Internet connection can no longer be a problem.
Video Marketing: 3 Free Resources To Take Your Video Marketing Efforts To The Next Level
If you have been using videos to market your business or even considering doing it, this article will show you free resources available online that will allow you to quickly create more videos for your business and market them as well An estimated 90% of people would rather watch a video, than read
Free Video Editing Software, Video Converter Available at DVDVideoSoft?s New Web Site
Announcing the launch of dvdvideosoft.com, a Web site where one can gain access to free video editing software and a free video converter. Making videos has never been easier or cheaper.
Learners Crochet Video - How To Get Free Beginner Crochet Video
An interesting fact I'd like to share with here, in middle French the term croc or croche stands for hook Precise history narration is not as easy task, yet from evidence available as reference some where in 1800s Europe was introduced to crochet