[Publib] CCTV Question

[Knieriem, Lesley]

It's very important to reiterate that security cameras are no substitute
for real live people.  We have them trained on the parking lot and bike
rack, bathroom doors, teen area, internet alley, children's room,
magazine racks, and dvd and audio racks.  They have been very useful in
documenting numerous cases of theft, damage, and a few cases of criminal
behavior.  Many times we have turned prints from the recordings over to
the police to assist in their investigations.  (Yes, signs have been
posted in prominent locations alerting the public that their activity is
being monitored and recorded.)

 

But.  

 

The cameras can only tell us WHAT and WHEN, not WHO.  And they seem to
do little to deter bad behavior.  I remember at least one sequence of
watching a young man - as far as we know has never been in the library
before or since - emptying a dozen DVD cases into his backpack, and
cheerily giving a thumbs-up to the surveillance camera before strolling
out of the building.

 

(The police caught the miscreant a few months later.  But that was
through old fashioned detective work)

 

Lesley Knieriem

Rogers Public Library

 

________________________________

.

 

Hidden corners and other blind spots are prime candidates for cameras.
Cameras do not take the place of vigilant and visible security officers
or staff monitoring what's going on.

 

Your friendly neighborhood CyberGoddess and ALA Councilor-at-Large,
Sue Kamm
Los Angeles/Inglewood, CA
Los Angles Dodgers Truest of the Blue, 2000
email:  suekamm AT mindspring DOT com
blog: http://suekamm.blogspot.com <http://suekamm.blogspot.com/> 
"It's time for Dodger baseball!"
--Vin Scully 

 



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