Surveillance Cameras Win Broad Support

ABC News ^ | July 29, 2007 | MICHELLE LIRTZMAN

[ECM]

Crime-fighting beats privacy in public places: Americans, by nearly a 3-to-1 margin, support the increased use of surveillance cameras — a measure decried by some civil libertarians, but credited in London with helping to catch a variety of perpetrators since the early 1990s.

Given the chief arguments, pro and con — a way to help solve crimes vs. too much of a government intrusion on privacy — it isn't close: 71 percent of Americans favor the increased use of surveillance cameras, while 25 percent oppose it.

[ECM]

2007...or a brave new 1984?

[supercat]

I'd say the first step should be to maximize the level of surveillance performed on law-enforcement personnel. To be sure, most cops are good most of the time, but footage of cops' actions would reduce the need to rely upon their word.

Besides--if they're not doing anything wrong, what should they be afraid of?

[Chode]

a Brave New 1984... i like it.

[Dutch Boy]

Interesting.... Cameras are okay but listening in on a phone call that is to or from a known terrorist is bad.... I just don’t get it.

[vetsvette]

“Americans, by nearly a 3-to-1 margin, support the increased use of surveillance cameras”

Just more evidence that Americans no longer want to live in a free society. My guess is that they’ll get exactly what they want.

[vetsvette]

“Interesting.... Cameras are okay but listening in on a phone call that is to or from a known terrorist is bad.... I just don’t get it.”

In the former, Americans get harassed. In the latter, terrorists get harassed.

Any more questions?

[Rudder]

71 percent of Americans favor the increased use of surveillance cameras, while 25 percent oppose it.

OK, was anyone here asked that question for a poll? Does anyone here know anyone who was asked that question?

[xcamel]

I was against them until a friend got mugged and beaten in Schenectady NY, there was a camera on the corner (lucky for him) and and ambulance was dispatched, (his cell phone was smashed), and the perps were caught in very short order.

The DA claims there will be no problem convicting them, and one is facing his 3rd felony - long hard state time for that one.

[saganite]

Wonder how long before they decide your living room, dining room and den are public areas since your family and friends and neighbors are present there?

[Brilliant]

I’m in favor of it. If you want privacy, stay in your house.

[rineaux]

the poll was taken at the company that makes the cameras. the sales department was behind it 100%

[Ben Mugged]

If I was asked I would vote for surveillance. 4 Years ago we had 34 cars broken into in our work parking lot during daylight hours over a period of several months. Since installing video surveillance, we have had no break-ins since (nearly 4 years).

[Hazwaste]

Surveillance cameras are one thing (NOT a statement of support), but the folks in London have taken it to the extreme. There the cops talk back to those being watched, correcting them for minor infractions.

[Rudder]

Yeah, I’m sure they’re effective. But when they make the statement, “70% of Americans support...,” it sounds like made-up poll.

[Disambiguator]

Your description makes it sound like it was possibly other employees that were doing the vehicle break-ins.

[Kozak]

Next step would be surveillance camera’s in all elected officials and judges offices, cars and homes. They shouldn’t mind if they have nothing to hide. /sarc

[Ben Mugged]

Nope. These were BMWs and Mercedes. Major aerospace firm located in bad part of town. My Altima was broken into by breaking the passenger window. They stole my gym bag with dirty gym clothes in it. I hope my jock fit them.

[ExGeeEye]

I don't get the "expectation of privacy" in public.