Chicago To Install Video Cameras In High-Crime Areas
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Police Superintendent Terry Hillard have announced the city’s plans to install surveillance cameras in certain high-crime “hot spots” around the city.
Installation of the video cameras, which can rotate 360 degrees and have night vision and the ability to zoom in on smaller objects, is part of Chicago’s Operation Disruption initiative, which seeks to reduce the rate of drug dealing, gang violence, and other criminal activity in the city.
The footage captured on the cameras, which can be monitored by police from remote locations at all hours, can be used as evidence against criminals, and officials hope that even the presence of cameras will deter people from committing crimes.
During the announcement, Hillard pointed out that camera surveillance creates “a visible crime deterrent,” and Laura Nichols, a representative for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, says cameras have been proven to reduce crime in some areas.
Although they did not specify where or how many video cameras would be installed, the officials said the surveillance cameras would be in place within weeks.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Associated Press (07/10/03); Le, Phuong.
