Cameras Help Cops Catch a Killer

CrazedWalrus writes "Philadelphia police recently captured a serial killer with the help of a combination of Homeland Security and private surveillance cameras. Police examined video from 50 different cameras and pieced together relevant footage from 12 of them, and eventually were able to identify the murderer. Once caught, he confessed to several other murders spanning the past eight years. Without these cameras this killer would probably be stalking the streets of Philadelphia today. With results like that, is there really a good basis for argument against these cameras?"

Last Post!

[killa62]

Well, I'm going off to federal-pound-me-in-the-ass-prison!

When I get out, I hope there won't be any cameras anymore!

Re:Same as always

[Fred_A]

Just because some intrusive technology was used for good at one occasion, doesn't mean that it completely turnes the tides on the discussion.

Of course it does, you do realise it's the first time ever they caught a serial killer. Or a criminal for that matter. It's a major progress !

"With results like that..."

[RLiegh]

Hey, I'm sold! The government may at will monitor every call, every email, examine my credit history in minute detail, access my library lending habits and even do a physical search of my home (neither without telling me)...but if by doing so one child's life is saved then by gum -it's worth it!

Re:I don't have a problem.

[LiquidCoooled]

Put a camera on the helmet of every policeman and you have the best of both worlds :)

Re:Yes, but

[LiquidCoooled]

No, but they did manage to find out which pharmacy he used by looking at the reflection on the windscreen of a car 3 miles down the road.

Re:Same as always

[Joebert]

One time Bill stumbled in on me and the old lady during a party & scared off a peeping Tom at the window, now we just have Bill stand there & watch us every time for safety.

Re:No one is asking the right question

[Fred_A]

*why do people perform unethical crimes?*

I too would prefer people to stick to ethical crimes, but, youngsters today, with their hip hop... What can you do ?

Re:Treating us like kindergarteners

[Fred_A]

Way back when I was in kindergarten if a few people talked too loudly when they weren't supposed to, we would all get punished by having our heads put down. I'd like to think I've progressed beyond kindergartener status...

No, actually, your kindergarden teacher got elected apparently.

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[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:I don't have a problem.

[Claws Of Doom]

I think this is inaccurate, and has nothing to do with human rights. We do not have the right to hit policemen in the UK... Or have I totally misunderstood how the law stands?

Oh boy...

*Goes to fetch cricket bat*

Re:"With results like that..."

[Ingolfke]

Dear sir,

I am please to inform you that we already do. Rest assured your government is doing everything it can to protect you.

Sincerly,
Your Government

Re:I don't have a problem.

[ErroneousBee]

*Goes to fetch cricket bat*

You are not allowed to use cricket bats to hit policemen in Britain.

The reasoning behind this law is that "it just wouldn't be cricket".

50 cameras?

[null etc.]

I'm confused. I thought they only needed 1 camera and some really good software. You know, "zoom in on that reflection of the lamp post and enhance contrast, removing noise and distortion based on the shadow information and weather report".

Re:Same as always

[Lord Bitman]

But that's an argument for cameras! Even if they didn't prevent 9/11, without those cameras we wouldn't have known who performed the attacks -> wouldn't have known to invade Iraq!!

Re:Same as always

[kyouteki]

Naw, all of those Iraquistanis look alike.

Re:Same as always

[TheDawgLives]

now we just have Bill stand there & watch us every time for safety.

Safety? Oh, right, that's why I have him stand there and watch too... safety.

Re:Same as always

[Evanisincontrol]

I just have him stand behind me and choke me till I'm finished.

Or until he's finished, whichever comes first.

Whichever comes first! That's a two-fer!