The voters of Philadelphia voted by a 4-1 ratio in a non-binding resolution to approve the use of public surveillance cameras within city limits. I'm really dismayed. I haven't seen any scientific evidence that surveillance cameras work as promised. Studies in Britain have shown that putting more lights on the streets have a greater impact on crime, and Britain (and London especiall) is always pointed to as the model. And sure there are times when it has helped, but I do not know that the few times it helps justifies the further reduction in people's privacy. England's already allowing people in one neighborhood in London watch the police cameras in their own neighborhood. That means neighbor can spy on neighbor.
I'm just worried that we've reached the point where people would be willing to give up privacy in their homes in the hope that it would prevent crimes in their homes. More importantly I'm worried that it will evolve into some city or town mandating it.
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