San Francisco’s latest attempt to crack down on crime could be causing havoc with people’s privacy – as well as with the local police department.
According to this report from MSN, local officials have launched a surveillance program that would utilize private cameras spread across the city. With it, officers would be able to see residents in real time, during what officials deem a “significant event with public safety concerns,” along with “investigations” that tie in with “active misdemeanors.”
Mayor London Breed voiced support for the program, noting, “The police right now are barred from accessing or monitoring live video unless there are ‘exigent circumstances,’ which are defined as events that involve an imminent danger of serious physical injury or death. If this high standard is not met, the police can’t use live video feed, leaving our neighborhoods and retailers vulnerable.”
While some may consider this a step towards safety, it could take away from actually having “boots on the ground” with police officers, who have sworn to do their protective duty. Not to mention the fact that it seems awful “Orwellian,” with people’s privacy potentially being violated in the name of safety.
Joining us now to discuss this further is Michael Letts, a pro-police advocate with 30 years of law enforcement experience. He currently serves as founder and CEO of InVest USA. They are an organization that provides bulletproof vests to officers through a number of charitable groups and sponsorships. His expertise will lend a hand in this matter.
Q&A:
- Aside from violation of privacy, what do you think the biggest problem is with this program when it comes to the effectiveness of police?
- Surveillance video can do so much if the officers aren’t there in time to stop the criminal act. You believe that “boots on the ground” would be more highly effective, correct?
- That said, could there be a program that utilizes surveillance video and officers on the ground that would be more effective, instead of simply leaning on one thing rather than another?
- Police numbers are dwindling, mainly due to resignations but also due to unexpected suicides by officers. Could situations such as this, where the city makes decisions instead of aiding the officers where they’re needed the most, be one of the leading causes of that?
- If you were in charge of such a program, how would you implement it? Or would you skip it entirely and go with something new?
- Where can we learn more about what you and your staff are doing over at InVest USA?
a. You can visit the official website at http://www.investusa.org.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of In-Vest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Gerald McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com
