Idea of surveillance cameras in town spark ‘Big Brother’ debate
By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
Maplewood police Chief Robert J. Cimino sought Tuesday to build the case for having surveillance cameras in public places.
He showed how police departments across the country use such devices, and that they are an important tool for law enforcement. They allow officials to go back and review all details of an incident, especially important when something is reported to them two or three days after the fact. In addition, they provide around-the-clock surveillance.
Cimino went before the Township Committee shortly after 9 p.m. His remarks continued what he was not able to get to at last week’s special meeting of the Township Committee. At the time, officials unveiled a series of ordinances to address quality of life concerns. The audience Tuesday was considerably thinner than the standing room crowd of a week ago.
Initially, he showed where else law enforcement use surveillance cameras. Chicago, Cincinnati and Los Angeles are among those that have them, the chief said.“It is not an uncommon strategy these days,” Cimino said.
Initially, he would like to use the cameras on a pilot system, check the results and consider expanding if it turns out be successful. Some sites he mentioned included DeHart Park, Jacoby Street and Boyden Avenue and Irvington and Parker avenues.
He said it would cost an estimated $10,000 per location to outfit it with the technology. Officials have said they are aware that some in the community have civil liberties concerns over having cameras in public places.
Township Committee Ian R. Grodman expressed concern that this would be the first step toward “Big Brother.”
Earlier, Cimino touched on the gang presence authorities have detected. He said that was based on intelligence and investigations police have done.
In some crimes, suspects have had gang tattoos or acknowledged belonging to a gang, the chief said. Cimino added that he has seen firsthand individuals “who are tattooed up and members of gangs.”
Staff Writer Philip Sean Curran can be reached at 973-763-0700, ext. 110, or at newsrecordnj@yahoo.com.
He showed how police departments across the country use such devices, and that they are an important tool for law enforcement. They allow officials to go back and review all details of an incident, especially important when something is reported to them two or three days after the fact. In addition, they provide around-the-clock surveillance.
Cimino went before the Township Committee shortly after 9 p.m. His remarks continued what he was not able to get to at last week’s special meeting of the Township Committee. At the time, officials unveiled a series of ordinances to address quality of life concerns. The audience Tuesday was considerably thinner than the standing room crowd of a week ago.
Initially, he showed where else law enforcement use surveillance cameras. Chicago, Cincinnati and Los Angeles are among those that have them, the chief said.“It is not an uncommon strategy these days,” Cimino said.
Initially, he would like to use the cameras on a pilot system, check the results and consider expanding if it turns out be successful. Some sites he mentioned included DeHart Park, Jacoby Street and Boyden Avenue and Irvington and Parker avenues.
He said it would cost an estimated $10,000 per location to outfit it with the technology. Officials have said they are aware that some in the community have civil liberties concerns over having cameras in public places.
Township Committee Ian R. Grodman expressed concern that this would be the first step toward “Big Brother.”
Earlier, Cimino touched on the gang presence authorities have detected. He said that was based on intelligence and investigations police have done.
In some crimes, suspects have had gang tattoos or acknowledged belonging to a gang, the chief said. Cimino added that he has seen firsthand individuals “who are tattooed up and members of gangs.”
Staff Writer Philip Sean Curran can be reached at 973-763-0700, ext. 110, or at newsrecordnj@yahoo.com.
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