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According to research done by the UC Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society, surveillance cameras installed around the city in 2005 have failed to reduce serious crimes like murder and stuff. While Dickensian crimes, like "burglary, pickpocketing and purse-snatching," have seen a drop in numbers, the big brother eyes in the sky haven't done much to curb violent crimes. (Although we still urge you all to install live cams outside your windows, if only for our amusement.) A few reasons the cameras failed? Well, according to the study, the cam program has "no dedicated manager" and the footage of the cameras was grainy and poor. Another reason is that due to privacy concerns, police aren't legally allowed to view cameras in real time. Instead, they must "order footage after a crime is reported." The report criticized surveillance cameras installed by team Newsom. It did not report on the cameras used by the San Francisco Housing Authority.
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They were described by some unknown UC Berkeley think tank as failing because they were set up to fail.
Footage is grainy and poor? A contractor ripped off the city by using QCIF webcams? Go figure.
I have to say I don't mind the police not being able to view footage realtime. However, you'd think they would have wanted to see a demonstration of the usability of the resulting video. Again, go figure. Thanks Gav!
Crime just occurred at Valencia Gardens: go into security office, view footage, pursue fleeing criminal.
Crime just occurred in projects off Cesar Chavez: fill out a request in writing; if request is approved, view grainy, unrecognizable footage in approximately 48 hours.
Hey, since they're not going to use these things to fight crime or put away criminals who rape, steal, kill and so on, why not open them up to indie bands and the like?
A band in London did just that. They set up near CCTV cameras all over the city, then filed a request to demand the footage. A few hours in iMovie and BAM! hipster band has a video that looks all 70s esque:
http://tinyurl.com/7f479u
@greg
I like that idea, add a block party and we get a free concert. Call up the roots or another band that would vibe off that.
This is what happens when you order your security cameras from those X10 popup ads.