Camera Stops (Moves?) Crimes
Posted by John Lang on June 16, 2009 · 2 Comments
The video camera installed at the corner of High and Kent Streets seems to have helped to chase the bad guys away.
Only two weeks ago crime in that part of Chestertown was being called out-of-control. Now by all reports the neighborhood is peaceful.
Area residents told the Town Council on Monday night that the young toughs they had blamed for assaults, indecent exposure and doing drug deals in broad daylight had left that corner after the camera was installed last week.
“It’s a huge improvement,” said Heller Halliday who lives on Kent Street. “The people who were the problem — I don’t know where they have gone.”
Mayor Margo Bailey agreed, “Those people are gone.”
Police Chief Robert Edler, back on the job after recuperating from hip surgery, reported that he had been increasing patrols through the area.
Increased police presence and the camera, said Town Manager Bill Ingersoll, “have really had the effect we hoped it would have.”
Did the camera really solve the problem or did it just move the thugs to a different street corner?
I justed wanted to clarify that although the camera is a major deterant to crime, it by no means stops all crime. Most semi-intelligent people would not commit a crime if they knew they were going to be seen doing so, so they either dont commit the crime, or as Jan indicated, move to another area. Some will move, others wont (depending on the crime they are willing to commit) so either way, it helps to reduce crime.
Another aspect of our cameras that some may not be aware of however, is the fact that when they are operational, they record 24/7. So, if something were to occur overnight let’s say, we have the capability to review the tape in order to often see who and what and when something was done. They are not perfect, but they are a tremendous help to the community.