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September 1, 2004
Crime Stoppers
I just finished reading the article Big Brother Watches Britain and I have to say that it is wonderful. The article tells how Britain has become the surveillance capital of the world. They have an estimated 4.2 MILLION closed-circuit TV cameras watching people at all times doing everyday things. The article says that the average Briton is seen by 300 cameras a day!
Using these cameras, the police have caught countless wrong-doers. Also many crimes are deterred by people just knowing that they are being watched. If the United States would enable this system I really do believe that we could cut out most petty crimes and that we could more easily catch the big time criminals. I would definitely be willing to pay more taxes if it would go towards a system of this kind and on this big of scale.
With that said, I believe enforcing laws would help too. Laws are made for reasons and they should be upheld. Too many criminals get a slap on the wrist when jail time would have taught them a valuable lesson.
Earlier this week the Sadieville Police Chief was arrested and charged with DUI (driving under the influence). City officials are going to have a meeting to decide his future with the city. What’s to decide?! The man was driving while intoxicated. Isn’t that enough to say, “You’re fired!”? I think it is! The police actually had to pursue him because he wouldn’t pull over! If he is allowed to continue as chief do you really think that anyone will have any respect for him? It sounds to me like the “good ole boy” system may be at work. I will be watching with anticipation to see how this turns out.
I would have liked to have had video of his erratic driving. This is just another reason to love the British – they do all of the first-rate stuff first! I doubt we will ever have as good a system in place.
Posted by tami at September 1, 2004 5:07 PM
Comments
Our previous mayor was arrested for DWI. He decided not to run for re-election.
I think the cameras would deter crime, but I sure don't like the idea of being watched all the time. The abuses which could spring from that are numerous. I think one of the reasons so many get off with just probation or a warning is overcrowding in the jails. What a catch-22 that must be.
Posted by: gw at September 2, 2004 12:16 AM