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Mar 24, 2008 10:20 pm US/Eastern
Big Brother Watching The Streets Of Miami
COCONUT GROVE (CBS4) ―
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The Big Brother system capable of scanning the plate off your car has been in use for 6 months.
David Sutta/CBS
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Downtown Miami
David Sutta/CBS
Big Brother is already watching the streets of Downtown Miami. Now, CBS4 News has learned cameras will soon be going up in Coconut Grove to combat crime.
From American Arenas to Bayfront Park you likely haven't seen them, but they see you, cameras lining Biscayne Boulevard.
Piping live video right into the Miami Police Department.
The Big Brother system capable of scanning the plate off your car has been in use for 6 months.
"On the first day we turned on the system we actually made an arrest," explained Tony Utset of Miami Dade. They caught someone breaking into a car
Now, Miami police are taking their surveillance into Coconut Grove. Large kisosks have been dropped around CocoWalk and the cameras are expected to be installed in the coming weeks.
All of this funded with Homeland Security dollars, targeting high traffic tourist locations. But that may soon change.
"It's sort of been known as drug marketplace," said Kristopher Smith of Local Initiatives Support Corporation or (LISC).
Recently the Overtown/Parkwest Community Redevelopment Agency looked at the cameras to capture crime. Parkwest is home to multiple dance clubs. Overtown blighted for decades.
"Safety is a major issue in this neighborhood," explained Smith. "The perception of safety is also important and we are gonna continue to improve this area then we have to take some steps."
If given the green light, it would be the first time private money, some $500,000 would be used to pay for police cameras.
"If it documents activities in certain areas then perhaps the police department should consider adjusting their manpower to work in those areas," said Smith.
"We're hoping that the program expands over the next 10 years to several hundred cameras if possible," said Utset. "It would be excellent."
At least one group doesn't think this is an excellent idea.
The The American Civil Liberties Union or (ACLU) has actively complained about this program, saying you have a right to privacy. They are not planning to contest the program legally, however, they are planning to "be swift" at the first word of the system is being abused.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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