By Thom White
CITIZINEmag.com
AUSTIN January 23, 2008 – On Tuesday, recently-appointed Austin police chief Art Acevedo announced to the media a proposed police surveillance camera system that would attempt to record all public activity in the Sixth Street district in order to reduce the likelihood of crime. The cameras’ recordings would be reviewed in secret by police personnel who would use the footage as evidence in prosecutions against individuals they identify committing crimes on video.
Chief Acevedo said if there is no public opposition to the installation of the public spy cameras, the equipment will be installed and begin recording around 6th Street in a few months.
According to news reports, Chief Acevedo told reporters, “As I travel around the city, I have been approached by residents in high-crime areas who are not only asking, but who are really starting to demand the use of technology.” Acevedo said. “People in this community want us to do everything we can to keep them safe. This is one of those strategies.”
According to KEYE-TV, Chief Acevedo said, “This is to put people on notice: criminals, the community, and the cops — that, yes… You’re in an area to be surveilled that’s out in the open. So, guess what? Before you start fighting with somebody, before you start stabbing somebody, before you start trying to victimize somebody, your action may be caught on tape, and you may be prosecuted and convicted, because we’ll have the best evidence.”
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