News, Is this good for New York? (attorneys, activist, suspect)

[John1960]

Is this a good idea or not about installing cameras?

News, New York plans London-style camera network.

NEW YORK — The speed with which London's ubiquitous surveillance cameras helped identify would-be bombers has prompted calls for extensive closed-circuit television networks in the US.

New York plans London-style camera network - USATODAY.com

[ElkHunter]

I think it's an outstanding idea. Anytime a city as vulnerable as NY takes it upon themselves to help strengthen our "Home Land Security" it is commendable.

People worry about it hurting their right to privacy. They're being installed in public places, not bathrooms. What are you doing, on open public streets, that you don't want to be watched?

If we can mine data, even after the fact, we can learn and be able to actively combat those problem areas in the future.

[Aqualung]

It's a HORRIBLE idea. The cameras in London have not reduced crime. Why New York would want to copy a failed London endeavor, I'll never understand.

As for why people should be against this, the cameras create an atmosphere of distrust.

[zonababe]

Who is going to observe the cameras? The TSA? I don't think a camera will deter a suicide bomber. If I had my druthers, I'd much rather be living in California waiting for "the big one" than being a sitting duck in New York.

[LauraC]

I think that cameras are better for capture and conviction than prevention. In other words, I think they help district attorneys make their case and help detectives more quickly identify and capture suspects. I'm not against that at all and for those reasons think they're a good idea. Have capture and conviction rates improved in London because of them?

I'm not sure how they are used to prevent crime/terrorist attacks. Can anyone tell me how they are used that way in London? Are they monitored? How quickly can law enforcement arrive on the scene to prevent what they see going down on the cameras? Has general crime decreased in London because of them?

[roanoker 4]

I agree with the post that New York is a sitting duck. Therefore, installing cameras in a city of high rise buildings makes no sense. London and England can do a better job of protecting their citizens since their country is not as fluid as ours, plus their country is surrounded by water. Comparing London to New York is like the apples vs oranges analogy. I do feel the time is approaching in England that many "home grown" terrosit leaning activists will have to be deported or put in jail. If there are homicide bombers blowing themselves up all over London, I'm sure the public will demand something be done.