Baltimore Plans 24-Hour Surveillance

[CShine]

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Authorities in the Baltimore region are trying to build a network of around-the-clock surveillance cameras to target crimes from terrorism to drug dealing, the state's homeland security chief said.

"We're at war," said Dennis R. Schrader, director of homeland security for Gov. Robert Ehrlich.

Dozens of surveillance cameras are already in place to deter crime throughout downtown Baltimore, but those images are generally taped and reviewed only occasionally. The new images will be monitored by about a dozen retired police officers or criminal justice college students, said Elliot Schlanger, Baltimore's chief information officer. Cameras "will only observe and record that which a police officer or private citizen could legally see," according to the request for proposals.

The closed-circuit video surveillance of public areas will begin in the Inner Harbor by summer's end. A $2 million federal grant accepted by the city Wednesday will expand the cameras by November into downtown's west side, which includes rail lines, government buildings and cultural institutions. The city system could connect with an existing state system of closed-circuit cameras that monitor highways, Schlanger said. Surrounding counties would also eventually plug into the city's hub, and Baltimore would also work toward links with closed-circuit systems at the University of Maryland and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

An American Civil Liberties Union official said the system was the first he knew of that would use full-time surveillance. Arthur Spitzer, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of the National Capital Area, said cameras infringe on privacy rights and are ineffective in fighting crime or terrorism.

"This is just another step toward Big Brother," he said. "One of the freedoms that Americans take for granted is the freedom to walk down the street without the government looking over your shoulder all the time."

[HFishbine]

1. Link please

Vital to another discussion. If you have a link, it would be much appreciated.

[Moderator]

2. Please post a link, thanks

[Journeyman]

3. A 3 second Google search. . .

yields 7 links to this article.

[HFishbine]

5. Yeah

That's fine, but late breaking news posts are supposed to include a link.

[Journeyman]

6. Certainly. . .

but why do you suppose my post was in reference to those requesting the link and not a chastisement of the person who didn't supply it? It was, after all, referenced to the Original Message. (Of course, double-edged swords cut both ways.)

[VHamrick]

4. Link

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.cameras10jun10,0,2211108.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

[newyawker99]

10. Hi VHamrick!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[DoNotRefill]

7. Big Brother....

is watching YOU!!!

[Hegemony Cricket]

8. Does anyone remember Nicholae Ceaucescu?

When the US found out about his video cameras on every street corner we were shocked and appalled (as was the Republican administration in power).

I guess times have changed, eh?

[smirkymonkey]

11. And we know how the Ceaucescus ended up!

[fedsron2us]

9. Suicide bombers

are unlikely to care whether they are caught on camera.

[saigon68]

12. 1984

what more is there to say?

[struggle4progress]

13. Welcome to the 21st century.