We tried surveillance cameras as part of a larger strategic plan to address crime in the early 90's in Whittier. A camera was installed on a business at Franklin and Nicollet. Signs were posted informing people that they were under surveillance 24 hours a day at that corner. We were offered a chance to install dummy cameras down Nicollet Av. These other cameras didn't really work but the criminals didn't know that.
It required a tremendous amount of maintenance in that tapes had to be changed, labeled etc. I think it may have helped in a couple crime cases. Can't remember. It was expensive. At that time I think it was about $7,500 a camera. Not something a neighborhood can throw NRP funds at for very long.
What it did was serve to move the crime away from that corner down a few blocks. So unless you are going to install cameras or at least dummy cameras on every block in a neighborhood, you are only moving it a couple blocks. I would probably help in Jordan, Phillips, Hawthorne and the like if a camera were installed on every block and if the city was prepared to see the crime move to other bordering neighborhoods.
Let's get real folks. We are not going to end the drug dealing problem here. We are just moving it around. The way drugs are legislated relegates the sale of them to the street. It's largely a zoning problem. People are conducting retail business activities in a residential neighborhood. Maybe we would have more success at putting criminals away or hitting them in their pocketbook if we strengthened the zoning laws.
Barb Lickness
Whittier
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed,
it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
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