Little Rock PD Wants to Install 50 Surveillance Cameras
By:
Updated: November 21, 2012
Little Rock police intend to install 50 surveillance cameras in 2013 that will record video footage 24/7
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Is it another step towards a total surveillance society or is it another high tech tool to deter crime in the communications age?
That depends on who you ask.
"Initial response? It's a little Big Brother-ish," says Richard Jolly, a Little Rock native who is spending the holiday with family.
Ask Little Rock Police Sgt. Cassandra Davis and she'll tell you there's nothing covert about this plan.
"If you are not involved in any criminal activity, there shouldn't be anything to worry about," she says.
The units the police intend to put out for bid are similar to cameras used in major U.S. cities such as New York, Baltimore and Chicago. Davis describes them as being large boxy units that bear the police logo along with a blue light on top.
She said the police department will not keep video footage beyond 30 days.
City Council on Tuesday budgeted $500,000 for the project from the general fund.
Their next step is to pass a resolution to authorize the plan and put it out for competitive bidding.
.
Is it another step towards a total surveillance society or is it another high tech tool to deter crime in the communications age?
That depends on who you ask.
"Initial response? It's a little Big Brother-ish," says Richard Jolly, a Little Rock native who is spending the holiday with family.
Ask Little Rock Police Sgt. Cassandra Davis and she'll tell you there's nothing covert about this plan.
"If you are not involved in any criminal activity, there shouldn't be anything to worry about," she says.
The units the police intend to put out for bid are similar to cameras used in major U.S. cities such as New York, Baltimore and Chicago. Davis describes them as being large boxy units that bear the police logo along with a blue light on top.
She said the police department will not keep video footage beyond 30 days.
City Council on Tuesday budgeted $500,000 for the project from the general fund.
Their next step is to pass a resolution to authorize the plan and put it out for competitive bidding.
Comments
If the system is good enough to make positive IDs, it will be worthwhile. If you think it invades your privacy then perhaps we should wonder what it is you're doing.
Peter D.
November 22, 2012 at 10:11 am
