The mayor in his recent speech indicated he wants $1,000,000 to install a camera system. I am assuming his is a new system, built from the ground up.
Is it my imagination, or was a camera system either a feature of the computerized LED light system which Chattanooga began installing two or three years ago,or possibly an accessory which could be installed in the future?
If my assertion is correct, the Chattanooga aristocracy is once again mismanaging funds, with the idea there are always more available and poor decisions can always be covered up with no real responsibility on anyone’s part.
D.L. Blazejewski
Ringgold
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The statement Big Brother Is Watching You found in George Orwell’s novel 1984 is in the process of manifesting itself in the form of cameras in high crime or gang activity areas as proposed in Mayor Berke’s State of the City Address. This translates to cameras in the black community.
On the surface it sounds great until you examine the concept critically. There has been a patrol car with camera parked between Central Avenue and 38th Street off and on for an extended period of time and to my knowledge it hasn’t lessened the activity except where the camera is located. This is evident by the 87 percent unsolved criminal activity. The gang activity, along with high crime and what appears to be an increase in domestic violence cases, is more likely due to other factors such as lack of opportunity and hope. Gangs exist and thrive in socially and economically deprived areas.
We have to find ways to change the landscape without trampling the rights of those who live, work and visit the hood. The concept of taking away my rights in order to protect me isn’t new. Just remember history.
Sherman E. Matthews, Jr.
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Let's review "the right of privacy." A street is, by law, a public space. There should be no expectation of privacy in a public space. Therefore, a camera observing a public space is not a violation of privacy.
Unfortunately police dash cameras can't be present 24/7. Cameras are helpful in high crime areas, especially when residents are fearful of criminals and fear reporting the identity of criminals. If we want less crime, the police must constantly revamp the strategies that are not working. Of course, if someone is part of the crime problem, they might feel threatened by cameras.
Mayor Berke, please feel free to mount cameras in my neighborhood.
Deborah Scott