Thursday, October 27, 2005

Lights, Camera, Logan!

From a resident on 10th Street. . .

Having been a resident of DC for about 18 years, I feel less safe now than ever.

Our neighbors at 10th and P have talked at various times about installing video cameras, but we all assumed the cost was too high. But based on a quick Google search today, it appears as though many other communities are now using videocameras to reduce crime, and the systems are much more affordable than expected.

In Sacramento, a group of neighbors on a cul de sac paid $2,400 for 4 cameras. The cameras caught a murder suspect. See article here.

In New Orleans, police installed a city wide system using wireless cameras in high crime neighborhoods, and offered to place cameras in additional neighborhoods at the expense of $5K each. The dramatic results of the deployment are detailed here.

If we are paying $500K for condos and thousands of dollars every year in property taxes, wireless video surveilance is a reasonable option to protect our lives, our lifestyles, and our property values.

Wonder if there would be any interest in partnering with MPD or in doing a proof of concept on a block or two in Logan?

- Name Witheld

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

If you just want a quick & dirty solution, you might check out X10.com. Yes, they're the people with the popup ads. But with a $100 wireless camera and a VCR set to record 8 hrs on SLP every night you could probably do some good.

Anonymous said...

This is a great idea. I was just thinking about this today. LCCA should look into this.

Anonymous said...

I think it would be advantageous for LCCA to form a 2006 Education Committee - where all residents and condo associations can learn about and inform themselves of laws, resources, and technology available to us.

I know that we are already filmed whenever we hit ATM's or visit museums and retailers, so it wouldn't hurt to look into something such as this closer to home.

Anonymous said...

What about a webcam (or series of webcams) aimed at the alley or other problem spots? Does anyone know how to do this or have bandwith we could use?

Anonymous said...

Timing is very important. I think LCAA should be open to pursuing organizing and funding a projet like this. I feel many people would be willing to donate money and time. If the police want to cooperate with us fine. This would provide evidence to help convict.. And act as a deterrant...