NCJ Number
222224
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2008 Pages: 90,92,95
Date Published
January 2008
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the need for U.S. law enforcement to use higher standard video surveillance to protect the public.
Abstract
The 2005 London subway bombings spurred the French to the forefront of IP digital surveillance technology usage. A new law has been passed in France that will substantially increase the image quality required of video surveillance cameras in public places and high-security, restricted zones. Ninety-five percent of analog camera systems will simply not be able to meet this new requirement. IP video will become the de facto standard. By substantially improving video surveillance quality in public areas, they will increase the probability of catching suspects. Another key advantage of digital surveillance cameras is overall intelligence. U.S. officials can learn from the French. More than 6 years after 9/11, America remains vulnerable to terrorists on many fronts--ports, nuclear facilities, public transportation and more. Yet, the country has not sufficiently modernized its video surveillance systems to meet current security needs. Law enforcement officials and U.S. civilians should begin to encourage legislators to enact a law similar to the new law in France, one that holds video surveillance in public places to a higher technological standard.