yet another hit and run (Miami: homes, school, live in)

[Pooring Footers]

"Eventually all intersections with stoplights will have surveillance cameras."


But isnt that just plain sad? To live in a place where this is needed?

[Nolefan34]

Pooring Footers,

It don't think it is needed. Not to catch speeders anyhow. That is just an excuse to make money at the citizens' expense. If they only install them at intersections for the sole purpose of catching accidents or hit-and-runs that can be used as evidence in court, then I'm all for it. But I don't think it will stop with that. I think the long term goal would be to catch any type of violation, speeding, etc. That I am against.

Also, if the hit-and-run involves a stolen vehicle it is highly unlikely the person is going to be caught even with cameras.

[Pooring Footers]

Originally Posted by Nolefan34

Pooring Footers,

It don't think it is needed. Not to catch speeders anyhow. That is just an excuse to make money at the citizens' expense. If they only install them at intersections for the sole purpose of catching accidents or hit-and-runs that can be used as evidence in court, then I'm all for it. But I don't think it will stop with that. I think the long term goal would be to catch any type of violation, speeding, etc. That I am against.

Also, if the hit-and-run involves a stolen vehicle it is highly unlikely the person is going to be caught even with cameras.

True. I get what your saying. It's all about money sometimes, and it sounds like another way for the city/county to dig into residents' pockets. But, if it saves a life, or catches some criminal in a hit and run, then I am all for it.

[ThumbingMyWayToHeaven]

According to the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles-2006 (sorry the 2007 page was corrupted and wouldn't open):
256,200 reported traffic accidents in Florida
3,365 fatalities
214,194 of those accidents had injuries

You don't think that catching those that exceed the speed limit, and run red lights is a cause worthy of installation of these devices? And why should the state and local government not benefit financially from those that break the traffic laws?

[Nolefan34]

Originally Posted by ThumbingMyWayToHeaven

According to the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles-2006 (sorry the 2007 page was corrupted and wouldn't open):
256,200 reported traffic accidents in Florida
3,365 fatalities
214,194 of those accidents had injuries

You don't think that catching those that exceed the speed limit, and run red lights is a cause worthy of installation of these devices? And why should the state and local government not benefit financially from those that break the traffic laws?

No I don't. First of all, these cameras are not going to prevent these accidents from happening. They only capture them on film after the fact. So they will not "save lives" as somebody else suggested. If they were only used for accidents then I'm all for it. If they are going to be used to catch everybody who does 1mph over the speed limit through an intersection, doesn't come to a complete stop before turning right, or every j-walker, then I think it is wrong.

Second, these cameras will not capture nearly as many hit-and-runs as you think. Many hit-and-runs involve stolen or unregistered vehicles. And what about accidents that occur away from an intersection out of sight of a camera? Are you suggesting that we install cameras at every light-post, or every 50 feet of sidewalk in order to monitor every square inch of public land? Why not have the government install cameras in your front yard to capture home-invasion burglars and carjackers?

So ultimately, the people who are going to get caught are you and me, or others who are non-criminal, non-violent, and are just in a hurry to get to work in the morning and wind up getting a $300 fine that causes our already outrageous insurance premiums to skyrocket. Do you really want to live in this type of police society? Why not have the government install cameras in your front yard in order to catch home invasion burglars, or carjackers?

And do I really have to argue the "why should police not benefit financially from speeders?" We are talking about our tax dollars here. Our tax dollars are supposed to go to police departments in order to have them perform services that will benefit us. I fail to see how policing us more than they already are doing is going to benefit us.

[ThumbingMyWayToHeaven]

Originally Posted by Nolefan34

No I don't. First of all, these cameras are not going to prevent these accidents from happening. They only capture them on film after the fact. So they will not "save lives" as somebody else suggested. If they were only used for accidents then I'm all for it. If they are going to be used to catch everybody who does 1mph over the speed limit through an intersection, doesn't come to a complete stop before turning right, or every j-walker, then I think it is wrong.

Second, these cameras will not capture nearly as many hit-and-runs as you think. Many hit-and-runs involve stolen or unregistered vehicles. And what about accidents that occur away from an intersection out of sight of a camera? Are you suggesting that we install cameras at every light-post, or every 50 feet of sidewalk in order to monitor every square inch of public land? Why not have the government install cameras in your front yard to capture home-invasion burglars and carjackers?

So ultimately, the people who are going to get caught are you and me, or others who are non-criminal, non-violent, and are just in a hurry to get to work in the morning and wind up getting a $300 fine that causes our already outrageous insurance premiums to skyrocket. Do you really want to live in this type of police society? Why not have the government install cameras in your front yard in order to catch home invasion burglars, or carjackers?

And do I really have to argue the "why should police not benefit financially from speeders?" We are talking about our tax dollars here. Our tax dollars are supposed to go to police departments in order to have them perform services that will benefit us. I fail to see how policing us more than they already are doing is going to benefit us.

First off, you should know that I have 27 years of Law Enforcement experience, so I am not just a casual observer and yes, I admit that I am biased.

I have no personal knowledge that the cameras are used for anything other than law enforcement purposes. They are maintained by the County Department of Transportation, not the individual law enforcement agencies. I don't believe that these cameras are used for anything other than their intended function. The individual agencies need to request information obtained from the cameras. I do not know, how the photographs are considered as it pertains to Public Records Disclosure. (i.e. - any person can request a photograph). I don't see where such photographs would be considered confidential such as 9-1-1 caller information, sexual crime victims, and juveniles offenders. But, any such requests for the images are to be retained for at least 2 years, so one could, if one wanted, research to find out who is requesting these images.

Many businesses & shopping centers/malls, install their own surveillance cameras, and speaking with an extensive investigative background, I can say that many a time such images have been helpful with the identification of criminals. But, no, I don't endorse the use at "every light-post, or every 50 feet of sidewalk in order to monitor every square inch of public land."

We live in a society of laws. A driver's license is a privilege and as a licensed driver, one is aware of the traffic laws. If one chooses to exceed the speed limit or disregard a traffic control device, then one is taking the risk of getting caught, and the consequences that follow. One is gambling with more than the financial repercussions of receiving a ticket, one is gambling with not only their own life, but that of others. Your comment of being issued a speeding ticket for traveling 1 MPH over the speed limit is unrealistic, and no officer I know would ever consider writing for such an infraction as there is a small margin of error with the calibrations of radar devices and police cruisers' speedometers

I truly hope that you are never in a position to experience having a loved one critically injured or killed in a car crash because the other driver was running a little late to work and ignored the traffic laws. This is not said with sarcasm or mean-spirited. This is an open discussion, an exchange of thoughts.

[tonyc]

Jail halts playboy's life in the fast lane -- chicagotribune.com

[EnjoyTheSilence]

Why do you people have such a problem with cameras at intersections? Personally, I'd have cameras (speed/radar) positioned all over I95, the Dolphin and Palmetto expressways. Why the paranoia? This isn't about "big brother" and it's not as if the cameras are invading your privacy!

When you're out on the highways, you're in a PUBLIC place, not a private place such as your bedroom or living room. If you're not doing anything wrong, i.e. driving like a maniac, you have nothing to worry about.

Since the police in Dade & Broward simply do not have the resources to be where they need to be and catch these scumbags, at least let the cameras do some of the work. At the very least, they help curb red light running and excess speeding.

Tell me, what's worse...losing someone you love because of a red light running POS, or having a few cameras at intersections & on our highways to help protect public safety? Personally, I choose the cameras....my privacy is only important to me when I'm somewhere "private", i.e. at HOME.

I am so sick of the scumbag drivers here that I'd have cameras positioned everywhere and I'd give those who kill due to DUI, reckless driving / running red lights LIFE in jail (no parole) to contemplate their murderous actions.

[EnjoyTheSilence]

Originally Posted by ThumbingMyWayToHeaven

First off, you should know that I have 27 years of Law Enforcement experience, so I am not just a casual observer and yes, I admit that I am biased.

I have no personal knowledge that the cameras are used for anything other than law enforcement purposes. They are maintained by the County Department of Transportation, not the individual law enforcement agencies. I don't believe that these cameras are used for anything other than their intended function. The individual agencies need to request information obtained from the cameras. I do not know, how the photographs are considered as it pertains to Public Records Disclosure. (i.e. - any person can request a photograph). I don't see where such photographs would be considered confidential such as 9-1-1 caller information, sexual crime victims, and juveniles offenders. But, any such requests for the images are to be retained for at least 2 years, so one could, if one wanted, research to find out who is requesting these images.

Many businesses & shopping centers/malls, install their own surveillance cameras, and speaking with an extensive investigative background, I can say that many a time such images have been helpful with the identification of criminals. But, no, I don't endorse the use at "every light-post, or every 50 feet of sidewalk in order to monitor every square inch of public land."

We live in a society of laws. A driver's license is a privilege and as a licensed driver, one is aware of the traffic laws. If one chooses to exceed the speed limit or disregard a traffic control device, then one is taking the risk of getting caught, and the consequences that follow. One is gambling with more than the financial repercussions of receiving a ticket, one is gambling with not only their own life, but that of others. Your comment of being issued a speeding ticket for traveling 1 MPH over the speed limit is unrealistic, and no officer I know would ever consider writing for such an infraction as there is a small margin of error with the calibrations of radar devices and police cruisers' speedometers

I truly hope that you are never in a position to experience having a loved one critically injured or killed in a car crash because the other driver was running a little late to work and ignored the traffic laws. This is not said with sarcasm or mean-spirited. This is an open discussion, an exchange of thoughts.

Well said...you know I feel so strongly about the issue of reckless drivers down here that if I lose my job, I'm going to try to join the police / FHP.....and trust me, I will stop every b*stard I see breaking the law.

[GuitarNhand]

Originally Posted by Nolefan34

No I don't. First of all, these cameras are not going to prevent these accidents from happening. They only capture them on film after the fact. So they will not "save lives" as somebody else suggested. If they were only used for accidents then I'm all for it. If they are going to be used to catch everybody who does 1mph over the speed limit through an intersection, doesn't come to a complete stop before turning right, or every j-walker, then I think it is wrong.

Second, these cameras will not capture nearly as many hit-and-runs as you think. Many hit-and-runs involve stolen or unregistered vehicles. And what about accidents that occur away from an intersection out of sight of a camera? Are you suggesting that we install cameras at every light-post, or every 50 feet of sidewalk in order to monitor every square inch of public land? Why not have the government install cameras in your front yard to capture home-invasion burglars and carjackers?

So ultimately, the people who are going to get caught are you and me, or others who are non-criminal, non-violent, and are just in a hurry to get to work in the morning and wind up getting a $300 fine that causes our already outrageous insurance premiums to skyrocket. Do you really want to live in this type of police society? Why not have the government install cameras in your front yard in order to catch home invasion burglars, or carjackers?

And do I really have to argue the "why should police not benefit financially from speeders?" We are talking about our tax dollars here. Our tax dollars are supposed to go to police departments in order to have them perform services that will benefit us. I fail to see how policing us more than they already are doing is going to benefit us.

But if these cameras are in place, I think it will prevent people from running red lights.