Lancaster, Pa., Keeps a Close Eye on Itself

Seashore · 06-23-2009, 09:02 AM

This is the headline for an article on the Los Angeles Times website.

Here is a brief excerpt of the article:

The security cameras on the streets are monitored by civilians working for a nonprofit group. They pan, zoom and call police if they see a crime.

A vast and growing web of security cameras monitors the city of 55,000, operated by a private group of self-appointed gatekeepers. There's been surprisingly little outcry.

By Bob Drogin
June 21, 2009

Reporting from Lancaster, Pa. -- This historic town, where America's founding fathers plotted during the Revolution and Milton Hershey later crafted his first chocolates, now boasts another distinction.

It may become the nation's most closely watched small city.

Some 165 closed-circuit TV cameras soon will provide live, round-the-clock scrutiny of nearly every street, park and other public space used by the 55,000 residents and the town's many tourists. That's more outdoor cameras than are used by many major cities, including San Francisco and Boston.

...But Jack Bauer, owner of the city's largest beer and soft drink distributor, calls the network "a great thing." His store hasn't been robbed, he said, since four cameras went up nearby.

"There's nothing wrong with instilling fear," he said.

Humble Janitor · 06-23-2009, 11:05 AM

Heh, the guy's name is Jack Bauer. A real life Jack Bauer showing his approval.

Regardless, cameras have no place monitoring people. It's anti-freedom.

Seashore · 06-23-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humble Janitor

Heh, the guy's name is Jack Bauer. A real life Jack Bauer showing his approval.

Regardless, cameras have no place monitoring people. It's anti-freedom.

Is there a Jack Bauer on the TV show "24"?

06-23-2009, 11:44 AM

Yes seashore but I'm not sure if it's spelled Baur or Bower.

Seashore · 06-23-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepingnomore

Yes seashore but I'm not sure if it's spelled Baur or Bower.

Well, how strange it is that this news article would have a name like that in it...

Doesn't the TV character intimate that torture is just fine?

Seashore · 06-23-2009, 04:33 PM

My understanding is that it is now illegal to photograph certain buildings... or maybe it's any building, I'm not sure. But I believe it's illegal to photograph at least some buildings.

Also, under the Patriot Act, my understanding is that any person can be arrested as an "enemy combatant' and detained without due process... even executed.

And, local police are becoming federalized...

These cameras fit right in with the scary scenario I'm relaying here...

We need to rescind the Patriot Act and remove the cameras that are everywhere...

06-23-2009, 09:02 AM	#1
Seashore Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 3,564	Lancaster, Pa., Keeps a Close Eye on Itself This is the headline for an article on the Los Angeles Times website. Here is a brief excerpt of the article: The security cameras on the streets are monitored by civilians working for a nonprofit group. They pan, zoom and call police if they see a crime. A vast and growing web of security cameras monitors the city of 55,000, operated by a private group of self-appointed gatekeepers. There's been surprisingly little outcry. By Bob Drogin June 21, 2009 Reporting from Lancaster, Pa. -- This historic town, where America's founding fathers plotted during the Revolution and Milton Hershey later crafted his first chocolates, now boasts another distinction. It may become the nation's most closely watched small city. Some 165 closed-circuit TV cameras soon will provide live, round-the-clock scrutiny of nearly every street, park and other public space used by the 55,000 residents and the town's many tourists. That's more outdoor cameras than are used by many major cities, including San Francisco and Boston. ...But Jack Bauer, owner of the city's largest beer and soft drink distributor, calls the network "a great thing." His store hasn't been robbed, he said, since four cameras went up nearby. "There's nothing wrong with instilling fear," he said.

06-23-2009, 11:05 AM	#2
Humble Janitor Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 3,201	Re: Lancaster, Pa., Keeps a Close Eye on Itself Heh, the guy's name is Jack Bauer. A real life Jack Bauer showing his approval. Regardless, cameras have no place monitoring people. It's anti-freedom.

06-23-2009, 11:44 AM	#4
sleepingnomore Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Lancaster, Pa., Keeps a Close Eye on Itself Yes seashore but I'm not sure if it's spelled Baur or Bower.

06-23-2009, 04:33 PM	#6
Seashore Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 3,564	Re: Lancaster, Pa., Keeps a Close Eye on Itself My understanding is that it is now illegal to photograph certain buildings... or maybe it's any building, I'm not sure. But I believe it's illegal to photograph at least some buildings. Also, under the Patriot Act, my understanding is that any person can be arrested as an "enemy combatant' and detained without due process... even executed. And, local police are becoming federalized... These cameras fit right in with the scary scenario I'm relaying here... We need to rescind the Patriot Act and remove the cameras that are everywhere...