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8 | JUNE28-JULY 11,2013 I
Video cops
and the next
generation of
policing
Cities across the nation are see
ing the lowest incidences of crime
since the early 1990s. In the city of
Atlanta alone, crime is down more
than 53 percent — the safest this city
has been since 1969.
As the margins for crime reduc
tion and resources get tighter, we
will look to new technologies and
innovative approaches to make our city safer. Most indus
tries in the past 20 years have progressed through technologi
cal advances. Innovations in software, hardware and process
es have yielded enhanced capabilities to analyze and manage
data in ways never thought possible. There is no doubt that
policing is undergoing a similar transformation toward tech
nology-driven strategies.
Consider for example Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
— the use of video cameras to monitor public spaces. While
this technology is not new, recent advances in camera tech
nology and the introduction of computer-aided video an
alytics make it an invaluable tool for any policing strategy.
Cameras provide a safety component, and much-needed
domain and situational awareness for police officers as they
are deployed to the scene of a crime. They are a force mul
tiplier as video and analytics make it possible for one officer
to monitor many “virtual police beats” 24-hours a day, sev
en days a week. Cameras help speed the process of solving
W. DAVID
WILKINSON
CEO and president
of the Atlanta Police
Foundation.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
Who’s
watching
the watchers?
In the post-9/11 era, cities across
the U.S. have developed mass sur
veillance programs with the hope of
improving security.
In recent years, the city of At
lanta has expanded its network of
surveillance cameras. Throughout
the city, you will see many cameras
posted along sidewalks and busy in
tersections, and signs informing the
public that they are being watched.
Mass surveillance has now been ex
tended to Buckhead and Sandy
Springs.
While we all want to live and
work in safe communities, we must be aware of the potential
problems that come from warrantless mass surveillance. Be
fore expanding the use of surveillance programs, we must en
sure there is sufficient oversight to safeguard our privacy and
to protect against potential abuse.
The Iron Sky surveillance system has been implemented
in many parts of Georgia. Iron Sky claims the technology
has helped alleviate criminal activity. Reports on the effec
tiveness of surveillance cameras have been mixed, with many
studies showing that the use of these cameras has had little to
no effect in deterring crime.
Even if it is shown that these cameras can improve pub
lic safety, we must ensure there are safeguards in place so
that we meet the need for public safety without jeopardiz-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
KRISTEN
COLLINS
Law clerk with the
American Civil
Liberties Union of
Georgia and a student
at John Marshall
Law School.
STREET TALK
O: Are the security
cameras that now monitor
us in public places a good
thing or a bad thmg?
Aoked at various public
gatherings in Reporter
Newspapers communities
“I think they can be
both. I think they can
be great for deterring
crime and also catch
ing criminals after the
fact. At the same time,
I think they can lead to
paranoia, and they can
make people act differ
ently than they normal-
“It’s a good thing. I think it
helps protect our community.”
Jay Jewell
ly would, like by slam
ming on their brakes at
red lights out of fear of a ticket.”
Suzanne Deomond-Guba
“I think they’re a good thing.
I don’t think they cause any
harm and they can do some
good.”
Caroline Tanner
“I like it for security. I don’t
personally have anything to
hide. I have three kids and
I like as much security as is
available.”
Marcy Cooper
www.ReporterNewspapers.net
“As you can see, I’m
incognito.... I guess, in the
long run, it’s a good thing. It
does make people take stock.
I guess it keeps the evil-doers
from contemplating evil.”
John Ryan
“I think they’re a good thing.
I think they’re necessary for
the safety of the community.”
Victoria Nalette
