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1. • CommentAuthornorthender
   • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

    
   Given the speed in which the police were able to make an arrest in connection with the rape of a child on Arlington with the help of surveillance cameras, do you think their use should become more widespread to improve street level safety?
   
   This issue was recently raised by some folks in William Whyte, discussing ways to improve safety along proposed cycling corrdiors through the more dangerous patches ie near the Merchant's Hotel and other drinking establishments where drunk people are known to wander and cause trouble.
2. •  
     CommentAuthorgrumpy old man
   • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007 edited

    
   Yes, if you are not doing anything illegal then there is nothing to worry about. Another great lefty-right debate.
3. •  
     CommentAuthorconceitedjerk
   • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007 edited

    
   Assuming they're only looking for illegal activity.
4. • CommentAuthornorthender
   • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

    
   What if the purpose is to keep the streets safer.
   
   There is some concern that cycling routes through the roughest parts of the inner city may need additional security measures. Others think the higher volume of active transportation through those areas will make them safer without any need for additional surveillance.
5. •  
     CommentAuthorconceitedjerk
   • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

    
   Personally, I have no problem with cameras in areas that are bonafide "trouble spots". If it's what the community wants, then hey, have at 'er.
   
   I'm not adverse to cameras being used in the name of safety, provided they're ONLY used for that purpose and not, as an example, keeping track of how often one walks to the neighbourhood 7-11 (again, just an example).
6. • CommentAuthorDeanK
   • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

    
   whats wrong with walking to the 7-11?
7. • CommentAuthornorthender
   • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

    
   I have two minds about it. But I was thinking that active cylcing corrdiors will be used a lot by kids, so it might not be a bad idea to add some additional security at strategic points. If there had been one at Powers and Selkirk, would it have prevented the beating death of Erin Pawlowski.
8. •  
     CommentAuthorJimmytufish
   • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

    
   Seems to me that putting cameras around town would help the police distribute resources in an efficient manner. A couple of civilians could watch a bank of monitors and dispatch cops where and when they are needed.
   
   I very much doubt that "they" would have enough staff and resources to monitor/track legal activities, so I have no fear that the system would infringe on anyone rights or privacy.
9. • CommentAuthornorthender
   • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

    
   That's a very good point. The surveillance would be there to catch people after the fact and would only act as a deterrent at best.
10. •  
      CommentAuthorconceitedjerk
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

     
    I agree. On one hand, cameras are an invaluable tool. On the other hand, there is a huge potential for misuse.
11. • CommentAuthorDeanK
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

     
    "Police surveillance cameras cover much of London already. Now, a new community television channel is being launched where residents of one neighborhood will be able to monitor their local surveillance cameras. The idea is that regular people will be able to report -- and deter -- crimes. Detractors say it's another step towards creating an Orwellian city."
    
    Man I can see it now..one of the most addictive channels on TV.
12. •  
      CommentAuthorconceitedjerk
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007 edited

     

    Posted By: JimmytufishI very much doubt that "they" would have enough staff and resources to monitor/track legal activities, so I have no fear that the system would infringe on anyone rights or privacy.

    
    
    That's what "they" want you to think! ;)
    (puts tinfoil hat back on)

    Thankful People: Jimmytufish
13. • CommentAuthorDeanK
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

     
    "British authorities have placed great faith in CCTV as a crime control device, installing an estimated 1.5 million police cameras along the country's streets, buildings and mass transport systems. Still shots taken from video feed are used to identify protesters and hooligans. "
14. • CommentAuthorDeanK
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

     
    Actual poster from London in reference to Cameras on every single bus.
    
    http://www.wired.com/imageviewer/?imagePath=/news/images/full/big_brother_f.jpg&imageCaption=A+photo+of+the+new%2C+Big+Brother-like+Transport+For+London+poster.&imageCredit=Perry+de+Havilland
15. •  
      CommentAuthorJimmytufish
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

     
    I believe that they can dispatch cops when the crime is seen being committed, much the same as a 911 call now.
16. • CommentAuthornorthender
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

     
    <blockquote><cite>Posted By: DeanK</cite>"Police surveillance cameras cover much of London already. Now, a new community television channel is being launched where residents of one neighborhood will be able to monitor their local surveillance cameras. The idea is that regular people will be able to report -- and deter -- crimes. Detractors say it's another step towards creating an Orwellian city."
    
    Man I can see it now..one of the most addictive channels on TV.</blockquote>
    Just like those surveillance cameras pointed at the front door of apartment blocks. Some residents spend the day watching the comings and goings of neighbours. Whatever turns you on. But I would say that would be a bigger invasion of privacy than a camera pointed on a street corner.

    Thankful People: conceitedjerk
17. •  
      CommentAuthorTriniman
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

     
    I've said it before and I will say it again. The public will demand that we usher in the police state to protect us from out of control crime. Cameras represent the the thin edge of the wedge. After we're constantly being surveilled under the assumption that if you have nothing to hide, you should not be against surveillance, the next step will be to positively ID everyone will RFID chips implanted under the skin. We're already doing it to pets, people are next. Privacy will be eroded in favour of security.

    Thankful People: conceitedjerk
18. •  
      CommentAuthorconceitedjerk
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007 edited

     

    Just like those surveillance cameras pointed at the front door of apartment blocks. Some residents spend the day watching the comings and goings of neighbours. Whatever turns you on. But I would say that would be a bigger invasion of privacy than a camera pointed on a street corner.

    
    
    Again, the potential for misuse. Although, it might be fun to put on a show for the cameras, knowing you have a wide audience with too much time on their hands ;)
19. •  
      CommentAuthorconceitedjerk
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

     

    Posted By: TrinimanI've said it before and I will say it again. [SNIP] Privacy will be eroded in favour of security.

    
    
    This represents the other potential for misuse that I was getting at in my first reply. Triniman, have you read "Spychips"?
20. • CommentAuthornorthender
    • CommentTimeDec 20th 2007

     
    I think it is a good idea to design the AT corridors with safety in mind - that includes street level lighting and reflective paint. It would be great if kids could easily recognize safer routes to travel and would travel on those. It would be great if there were block parents along those routes and other safe places to go to when a kid is in trouble.
    
    If there was concentrated surveillance within a block of trouble spots like the Merchant, would it change the behavior of the hotel if it there wre recordings of drunken patrons staggering out of the establishment on a regular basis. There are laws against that sort of thing, but difficult to enforce. I've been on Selkirk in the middle of the day and seen folks staggering out of that establishment. Perhaps a camera pointing at the front door would help the hotel become a more responsible member of the community.