Surveillance cameras are “sold” to the people as safety features. We are told that cameras on street corners will somehow keep us safer. But crime and its response to cameras isn’t that simple. Still, the Star-Ledger reports that Orange will be the latest city to add several cameras in an effort to beat violent crime.
According to the report, the city will be installing cameras in city parks including Central Playground, Metcalf, Colgate, and Ropes. They say these parks have been the setting of recent shootings and violence and they hope cameras will cut into the crime spike that often happens during summer months.
Officials say the cameras will assist in investigations and deter crime in the region. The Star-Ledger points to neighboring East Orange where, they say, “cameras have proven to be a huge part” of crime reduction over the last decade.
While the media says crime plummeted in East Orange 71{74bbbd36a4df8b83bd1805c8c4f34bcc3063e84848f392c2fd8bb03fcdaa883e} from 2003 to 2011, there is no indication that cameras were the sole—or even a significant—factor in this decrease. As a matter of fact, crime across the country fell to record lows during this period regardless of camera use.
Some experts argue that putting cameras up may reduce crime in sight of the cameras but not in the city as a whole. Criminals will simply move down the block.
In addition to cameras the city of Orange will be posting signs in the parks, alerting citizens that crimes will be prosecuted to the “fullest extent of the law.” Also, community centers in the parks will bring in more positive activities, including youth events.
Crime is a problem, particularly when it occurs in parks that families frequent. Increased focus on these areas of high crime will hopefully reduce the incidence of violence and even deadly occurrences. But cameras may or may not play a role in this prevention.
The likelihood of you being caught on film committing a crime is relatively slim. And though it offers good evidence for the prosecution, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to “beat” the charges against you.
If you are charged with a drug offense or a violent crime in New Jersey, contact our offices today to discuss how we might be able to help.