Comment

Comment by Molly Marina Haupt on February 16, 2011 at 10:21am

It's unfortunate that our society has to be "watched," but I believe we have to deal with the reality that we live in a world full of harmful people. Until the social consciousness of our people rises and crime rate dramatically decreases, I accept that our privacy is so constantly intruded. 

 

Also, I am very interested in the idea of installing cameras on police vehicles-looking out. But then again...$$$$$!

Comment by JulsnMatt1028 on February 15, 2011 at 10:23am

I recently attended a meeting at the 4th St BIA, Business Improvement Association, at which a few representatives from LBPD were talking. One of the points they were discussing was a new effort to be able to tap into the store security cameras from around the city. The particular point was in reference to being able to capture better footage of the suspects of the recent armed robbery that resulted in the murder of the store clerk on 4th. The effort is currently voluntary, however they mentioned that they are currently working to try to write the required co-operation into zoning and business permits... 

 

I'm kind of on the fence with this. On one hand I completely understand why the PD would want to use this technology, it can obviously be a very powerful tool. I've helped to install these kinds of systems into private business before, and subsequently watched theft plummet. I also grew up in a town where these we're installed all over the place, and saw crime reduce as well. HOWEVER, I also totally get the psychological feeling of "being watched" and the feeling of it not being healthy and not being democratic. 

 

From using credit cards, to web cookies, to Facebook, I think the matter of privacy and our ability to control our privacy versus to intrusion into our daily lives of Big Brother, is a personal question that we all have to answer for ourselves everyday on a personal level. Where's the balance point?

Comment by 562citylife on February 15, 2011 at 10:23am

You bring up a nice point Dan Halverson. People are uploading important information all the time that can be accessed much fast and at a lower cost than most people think. People should be more well informed when it comes to how surveillance systems work. A workshop from LBPD to make people aware of the processes that goes on when an infrastructure such as the cameras are in place can really save people from the paranoia.

 

Also, The Man I doubt anyone is sitting there looking at the footage 24/7 and watching YOU. Dan's analogy of checking out a book at the library is a good example of how this will be used. And with the budget situation, LBPD doesn't have the funds to hire anyone to watch every single move people are doing. 

Comment by Dan H on February 15, 2011 at 10:05am

The vast majority of the people don't really know how surveillance systems work, they may have a basic idea, but don't go beyond that.  And that's were the 'Big Brother' therory kicks in.  Which is further from the truth than fact.

Camera systems are watchdogs.  For the PD, they can provide an extra set of eyes in the sky and aid as a very useful tool when tracking down suspects.  And that really is the key use here.

Although video imagery can be archived, it builds up fast and large, even with current technology in some of the newer equipment.  How long is the data kept?  Is soley based on the design of the system and allocated  space before it gets overwritten.  (more could be said here)

Bottom line... It still takes man power for somone to sit and review what's been recorded, which with the special use of backend software, makes the job easier based on date/timeline of the incident.  In that light, were talking about someone accessing the system and looking for a specific event, like going to check out a book at the library, rather than someone  having to sit and watch live video, full time, which is timestaking and tireing job. (more could be said here as well.)

It's curious that many perceive the BB theory when video surveillance is brought up, but isn't given consideration for everyday single imagery, which actually holds more information about a person, place and its date/time/location, than that of what video provides in a single instance.

Everyday people are freely uploading and sharing pictures abroad, many, unaware that those images contain data referred to as EXIF, which containes a wealth of details.  With the use of analytical software,  BB (theory) could extract more valuable information from the hundreds of online repositories faster and with less man power than you every could from a stand alone surviellance system.

All the while, and yet, knowone raises an eyebrow to investigate, or, demand that those pr

Comment by The Man on February 15, 2011 at 10:02am

I didn't get a chance to read your link Tony, but I'll do so later on today.

 

I'm trying to figure out where I stand with wanting things to be transparent. I want my government and files particularly deep underground military bases (D.U.M.B.s) to be transparent, but then I would expect myself to be transparent, in my doings as well. BUT! I don't know if that means being watched... BUT THEN AGAIN! I don't think I'm "important" enough that the camera's will be focused on me all the time. That might just be my ego talking.

 

One thing is that if camera's are going to be in place to observe the people, then I think there should have been a VOTE on if people really want it in their communities...

Comment by tony damico on February 15, 2011 at 8:07am

The link I posted really explains the culture that the police state is creating, one where we police ourselves because we feel that we're always being watched. It's not healthy, and not democratic. It's fascist and totalitarian. No more cameras!

Comment by tony damico on February 15, 2011 at 8:06am

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panopticon