Security cameras

I’VE seen a couple of shows where the footage was taken by a videocam installed in police cars. These systems are increasingly important not only to document a lot of arrests but also things police officers do. Sometimes it also provides crucial evidence that can help convict or free a suspect. In fact, many TV programs have emerged from these video footages showing how police actually work in real life.

I remember a business friend relating to me that one of his workers brought his gun to the office. A co-employee played with it and accidently fired and killed himself. He would have been in big trouble had not everything been caught on security camera, which helped exonerate him.

So videocams are almost becoming a standard issue. Ironically, I just read a news story that a man who was arrested in St. Louis was reportedly suing the po- lice force. He said he was manhandled and treated badly, but although he did not exhibit any evidence or wounds, his only evidence was that the police intentionally turned off their dash cams. From that action alone, he was implying that they were preparing to do something bad to him and was just trying to eliminate incriminating footage.

This brings up something new in the argument about the use of cameras in law enforcement. Is it proper to turn off recording and if you know that a recording has been made, can you compel the officer to show it?

Talking also about public service, Hayward City has reportedly introduced new road signs that gives more specific instructions and are more relevant to the millennial generation. For example, these sign was reportedly seen “Downhill. Use Eyes, Brakes, Brain”. Or this sign, which says, “It’s a Speed Limit, Not a suggestion.” This is particularly funny because I remember telling people that here in the Philippines, the traffic light is not absolute, especially late at night. You have to make allowances that some drivers may view one way or street signs not as something to strictly follow but merely suggestions to consider.

And finally, here is a sign that was reportedly posted in some street corners, “HEADS UP. Cross the Street. Then update Facebook.”