Nov 19, 2008 11:39 am US/Eastern
Cutler Bay May Mandate Surveillance Cameras
Cameras would be required in shopping center parking lots
Business federation worries about costs during slumping economy
CUTLER BAY, Fla. (CBS4) ―
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Security cameras may be mandated for some businesses in Cutler Bay
CBS
Cutler Bay may decide to require some shopping centers to install surveillance cameras in parking lots, in a battle of safety versus making money during a slumping economy.
Council members in Cutler Bay are planning a vote on the issue during their meeting on Wednesday night.
The new law would force shopping centers with 25 or more parking spaces to set up cameras and keep recordings for 30 days. If a shopping center chose not to comply with the regulation, it would be fined $125 for the first citation, $250 for the second, and $500 for each additional citation.
Backers of the law say it will work as a crime deterrent and help to repair the reputation of a crime-riddled town.
But, members of the Florida Retail Federation say the cameras could end up increasing costs during a slumping economy. They believe each business should decide whether or not to put in surveillance cameras.
A similar proposal was brought up before the Broward County Commission after Sgt. Chris Reyka was murdered in the parking lot of a drug store last year. But, so far, the commission has not voted on mandating the cameras.
If Cutler Bay's proposal passes, it will be the first municipality in Florida to adopt such a measure.
(© MMIX CBS Television Stations. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed material for this report)
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