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City planning surveillance program

Cameras to monitor some intersections

http://telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...611010715/1101





WORCESTER— The city administration is working on implementing a pilot program after Jan. 1 in which surveillance cameras will be used at selected intersections to monitor the traffic and nab motorists who go through red lights or stop signs.

City officials hope to eventually expand the use of surveillance technology by installing video cameras in high-crime areas and even in city parks that have been plagued by vandalism.

City Manager Michael V. O’Brien told the City Council last night that such technology can be an effective tool to assist the Police Department. With the many public safety priorities the department is asked to address, he said, it is virtually impossible for police officers to be everywhere.

“It has been shown that having cameras at intersections dramatically improves the level of public safety,” Mr. O’Brien said in an interview after the council meeting. “Once people know that cameras are there, they are less likely to run a red light or fail to stop for a stop sign. The cameras can be a true deterrent to breaking the law.”

The manager added that having surveillance cameras at intersections can also generate new revenue for the city through the issuance of traffic tickets. But, he added, that revenue stream would likely drop off after motorists became more aware of the cameras.

“This isn’t about generating new revenues because they would decline after a while,” Mr. O’Brien said. “This is all about public safety, which is paramount.”

Mr. O’Brien said his administration is in the process of “doing its homework” to make sure that the plan that is eventually developed is one that is built on a solid platform so the wireless technology can also be used by other municipal departments.

Councilor-at-Large Joseph M. Petty, who has long advocated for the use of video surveillance as part of the city’s public safety efforts, said such technology can improve the quality of life for residents because of its proven track record in deterring crime. He pointed out that the city has successfully used video technology to apprehend illegal dumpers.

In addition to catching those who go through red lights or stop signs, Mr. Petty said, video cameras can also be used on streets where speeding is a problem. He said technology also exists in which residents can monitor on the Internet what surveillance cameras are viewing in a nearby park or in a trouble spot in their neighborhood.

“I’m glad to see that the city manager is moving forward with this,” Mr. Petty said. “Other cities are using this technology and it has had positive impacts there. This technology is something that can be easily expanded to other departments as well.”

In addition to using cameras at traffic intersections, Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said his department is also exploring the use of other surveillance technology at parks and other areas of high crime. He said one system being looked at combines the power of video and voice with a state-of-the-art operations center.

He said the system is designed to monitor the activity of a location and when criminal activity is observed the police are contacted. In addition, the on-scene voice component projects an authoritarian voice letting the suspect know that he or she has been observed and that police are on the way.

“The voice component acts as a deterrent and the videotape is used for prosecution,” Chief Gemme said. “While video surveillance may be of assistance in arresting the perpetrators, monitored video surveillance may be more effective in preventing vandalism and similar types of activities in particular locations.”

City councilors enthusiastically embraced the ideas, though Councilor-at-Large Michael C. Perotto expressed some concern about having “Big Brother” playing such an active role. He asked for a legal opinion on the surveillance plans in regards to the civil rights of the public.

But Mayor Timothy P. Murray said the city should be going “100 miles per hour” in implementing the plan. He said if people are not doing anything wrong, then they have nothing to worry about if cameras are set up at intersections or in parks.

“If people are breaking the law and cameras can assist us in catching them, then we should aggressively pursue this,” Mr. Murray said. “If we can replicate the success we’ve had with illegal dumpers, then I’m all for it. Cameras will help us prevent (crime) and help us catch those people who break the law.”

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