"In general the security cameras are a deterrence that will hopefully prevent anything from happening," Colarusso said. "If people know a camera is in a certain area, they may be less likely to commit a crime."
Really? How many bank robberies occur every day in the U.S.? Are they more or less per capita than they were before the advent of cameras? Is there any evidence that they really are deterrent?
Well, the answer to that is a resounding "?".
Some studies show the cameras to be effective, some show them to be ineffective. Some show them to be effective, but closer study shows camera installation coincided with increased patrols - so which was the bigger deterrent? The questionable track record combined with the expense to setup and maintain and the privacy concerns of cameras should weigh heavily in the consideration of any camera deterrent program. But it doesn't. The appearance of doing something often trumps all other considerations.
For a very good article on "Police Cameras" check out the article at Howstuffworks.com. Or you can check out my original post on the subject - it says much the same thing, but howstuffworks.com has even more supporting links.
I worked at a convenience store during college that was constantly being held up. I bought a fake camera and a real shotgun, mounted both behind the counter in plain view of the customers, and put a sign below them saying: "One of these is fake, chose wisely." Never had another holdup.
ReplyDeleteThat's great! I have a convnience store story, but it doesn't involve cameras or guns. I worked in convenience store close to Reese back in the late '80's. I always brought my ridiculously large jambox to work. One evening after Reese held an airshow a guy came in asking if we made a lot of money on airshow days - real bright guy. He made a comment about the jambox, and asked about a cracked corner (I'd dropped it on the sidewalk).
ReplyDeleteI told him, "Yeah, a guy came in to rob me and told me to give him the jambox, so I did. That's what happened when it hit his head."
He got this funny look on his face, walked out and never came back.