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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
Search crime in your neighborhood at CrimeReports.com
In an editorial posted by The Maroon, a study done by Loyola University found that the University updated their crime map much faster and more accurately than the city of New Orleans itself. In some instances, where the University would publish crime data within 24 hours, the New Orleans PD would take up to two weeks. The editorial questions how community members can get an accurate picture of crime in their area today by constantly looking two weeks in the past.
WDSU.com is reporting that the New Orleans crime camera system is overly expensive and ineffective. Originally projected to cost $2 million in tax payer funds, the project has cost $6 million so far and is still not complete. Criticism comes after the city’s interim inspector released a report citing serious flaws in the system.
The system was originally conceived as a way to deter criminals and better identify criminal activity within the city; however, out of the 250 installed cameras, only 145 are currently in operation. In addition to the low density of cameras, other recent reports have indicated that crime areas do little to no good in deterring overall crime, and don’t offer much help in identifying criminals.
Do you think a city-wide crime camera system could work, or are all such systems a waste of taxpayer money? Leave a comment.
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