Due to a lack of a maintenance contract for New Orleans’ citywide camera network, many of the cameras are inoperable. But just how many is unknown. There seems to be a general disagreement about the actual number of cameras installed and the number in operation. The city recently began accepting bids for camera maintenance for 252 existing cameras; however, Mayor Ray Nagin recently told the press that there are 242 total cameras and that all are operational. In addition, the city’s top-ranking technology officer said there are only 218 cameras around the city and only half were working. As well, a city councilman reported that in some districts, 80 percent are working and in others only 20 percent.

The crime cameras have been a hot-button issue for local politicians and law enforcement as they are in any city where crime cameras are introduced into the community, especially considering their questionable ability to deter or prevent crime.

Source: http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/condition_of_new_orleans_crime.html

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