There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of crime prevention cameras by law enforcement officials. These cameras are installed at key points across a neighborhood where it will supposedly do the most good to discourage crime and assist in tracking down criminals. Opponents of the crime cameras are concerned over the government’s growing ability to monitor citizens and violation of reasonable rights to privacy
Despite the debate, these surveillance cameras are set to be installed throughout Dublin, OH, in key intersections, parking lots, and parks this year. In fact, $105,000 was allotted to this effort and an additional $80,000 for both 2014 and 2015. What does this mean for the Franklin County community?
These crime surveillance cameras are intended to have an impact on several types of traffic and property crimes throughout Dublin, OH. This includes:
- Driving Under the Influence
- Hit and Run
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Criminal Mischief
- Criminal Trespass
- Drug Trafficking
- Robbery
Many studies have been done on the effectiveness of these cameras across North America and the United Kingdom (where the cameras were first used in 1986. Unfortunately, the success rate across many of these studies range broadly. According to the Washington Post, over 70 “neighborhood surveillance cameras” were installed since 2006 with reportedly no footage that have helped solve crimes. Conversely, in another study Baltimore police departments claimed a 17% drop in crime rates.
In 2006, the U.S. Department of Justice questioned the effectiveness of CCTV installation for any significant reduction of crime. Considering the investment that Dublin is making into the devices, it remains to be seen if it will have any noticeable pay off in terms of safety for members of the community.
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