Security Cameras Monitor Lancaster, PA
June 22, 2009 by Isaac
Concerns over privacy go hand in hand with the rapid expansion of video surveillance. Yet, in the historic city of Lancaster, Pa, population 55,000, there has been surprisingly little outcry over a vast and growing web of security cameras operated by a private self appointed group of monitors.
The security cameras on the streets are monitored by civilians working for a nonprofit group. They pan, zoom and call police if they see a crime.
Some 165 closed-circuit TV cameras soon will provide live, round-the-clock scrutiny of nearly every street, park and other public space used by the 55,000 residents and the town’s many tourists. That’s more outdoor cameras than are used by many major cities, including San Francisco and Boston.
Unlike anywhere else, cash-strapped Lancaster outsourced its surveillance to a private nonprofit group that hires civilians to tilt, pan and zoom the cameras — and to call police if they spot suspicious activity. No government agency is directly involved.
Perhaps most surprising, the near-saturation surveillance of a community that saw four murders last year has sparked little public debate about whether the benefits for law enforcement outweigh the loss of privacy.
“Years ago, there’s no way we could do this,” said Keith Sadler, Lancaster’s police chief. “It brings to mind Big Brother, George Orwell and ’1984.’ It’s just funny how Americans have softened on these issues.”
“No one talks about it,” agreed Scott Martin, a Lancaster County commissioner who wants to expand the program. “Because people feel safer. Those who are law-abiding citizens, they don’t have anything to worry about.”
Why Buy a Surveillance Cam?
April 14, 2009 by Isaac
With CERTAINTY you can install a video surveillance system in your home or small business for less than $300. CertaintyCams securely transmit digital data over existing electrical wires to a local computer or through a router to the Internet. No cabling costs. No mess. Do it yourself in under 15 minutes!
A starter kit contains one camera, two bridges, a Power and Ethernet cable and a CertaintySoft installation disk. Up to fifteen CertaintyCams can be added over time.
One big advantage of CertaintyCams is that you can plug them in anywhere in the house and they work just as simply as a Webcam. Better yet, they capture DVD quality video, helping the Police identify the invaders.
Surveillance Cameras Capture Hudson Crash
February 6, 2009 by Isaac
