Crime prevention can benefit from cameras
I am trying really hard to wrap my head around why some folks are so dead set against the installation of cameras and license plate readers on street lights throughout San Diego. Almost everyone would raise their hand if asked, “Do you want a safer neighborhood?” Some municipalities have tried to go softer on crime for social equity reasons (San Francisco comes to mind), and have soon realized that the criminals have quickly taken advantage of this. Residents of these communities then hold town hall meetings and go on TV demanding that their neighborhoods be protected from such lawlessness. To their credit, the law enforcement agencies involved don’t say “be careful what you wish for.” They try their best to educate the public on what it takes to not only respond to criminal activity, but to solve crimes and also to deploy resources where best needed.
Which brings me to the proposal by San
Diego police to deploy cameras and license plate readers throughout the city. From what I know, these are not cameras that are viewed in real time. They are only accessed if a crime has occurred and an officer or detective believes one of the cameras may show a suspect or suspect vehicle. If you are not involved in a crime, you have nothing to worry about. If you are, you have plenty to worry about.
With regard to the license plate readers, my understanding is that they scan for stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants, etc. Again, if you have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to worry about. If the license plate reader records a “hit,” an officer would be sent to investigate. I have heard some allege that agencies that have this technology share it with other agencies, and that this is somehow bad. But I have not read any accounts of a specific “bad” incident anywhere, which makes me believe that is a “boogeyman” scare tactic.
In today’s world, crime prevention requires the most modern techniques available. I want to be safe when I ride around America’s Finest City, don’t you?
Arnold Botts, Chula Vista