Columnist calls for public security cameras after the disturbances in Ferguson

Columnist calls for public security cameras after the disturbances in Ferguson

Larry Seltzer, a columnist writing for zdnet.com, has called on cities across the country to adapt public security cameras in an effort to promote safety and security. He also says police forces should wear cameras on their clothing in order to record and document everything that happens.

After the incidents in Ferguson, MO, Seltzer says that a lot of the unrest could have been prevented through the use of security cameras placed around the city. Many citizens don’t like the idea of constantly being watched and monitored, but Seltzer’s take is that nobody has a reasonable expectation of privacy out in public.

He cited a Wall Street Journal article looking at cameras that police offers wear and how that also could have helped prevent the situation that escalated. These cameras not only help document the actions of police officers, but it holds them accountable; something the public at large wants.

Seltzer also views cameras as a way to eliminate eyewitness accounts and any other form of subjective data retrieval.

A question he poses is how to govern access to the data by police or other people, and his suggestion is to log the viewing of the video tape with reasons why it is being viewed. This eliminates police officers or other officials from going back and trying to remove footage.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

Featured

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.