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Crimestoppers Aks: Are Crime Cameras Worth It?

Posted by: WDSU-TV on April 9, 2007 at 6:28PM EST

The benefits of crime cameras have come under discussion recently, leaving citizens left to ponder whether the investment is truly a good tool in our crime fighting efforts.

In a recent article in the Times-Picayune a District Attorney’s spokesperson says the cameras have been used as evidence in criminal cases twice in the last four years.

A Crimestoppers tip led to the arrest in the Louisiana Avenue Car Wash shootings. But even with video surveillance from the location, only one of three suspects has pleaded guilty. The other two cases are pending.

Do you believe the installation of crime cameras across the city of New Orleans is a worthwhile investment?

- Darlene Cusanza / Crimestoppers Executive Director

(4) Comments

Posted by: Pamela Schafer on April 13, 2007 4:07PM EST

I think that, unless the costs are so prohibative,
any help to possibly catch a criminal is worth it. So many cases are never prosecuted because the DA's office says it never has enough evidence, if the cameras provide info to get one criminal, I'm all for it.

Posted by: Challen O'Meara on April 14, 2007 2:10PM EST

It can't hurt,there is thousands of dollars spent in New Orleans everyday on stuff not as nearly important. Something has to be done and just talking about it don't seem to be working and people need to stop worrying about stepping on criminals toes,they're sure not worried about the citizens toes.I moved from N.O. in 1973, to Picayune,MS.and I wouldn't move back for money or love,its got a lot worse in Picayune since the hurricane and you don't need a college degree to figure out why!!So the answer to your ? is YES.

Posted by: Charles Miller, III on April 30, 2007 4:40PM EST

Yes, I love the use of camera's. In many recent robbery cases on the Westbank, there is little to go on and the bad guys get away. Camera's should not be expected to catch them all, but it certainly helps fill in some missing pieces of the puzzle when the stories might be conflicting or blurry. Technology to make this possible has dropped in price over the last few years. Seems like a worthwhile investment.

Posted by: darlene cusanza on May 2, 2007 9:39PM EST

I agree that they are a good investment for businesses. Certainly, a surveillance system can serve as a deterrent to prevent crime, as well as proof if a crime has been committed. People ask all the time what can they do to keep their homes/businesses safe and a camera and alarm system certainly ranks high up on the list.