These numbers also seem suspect given that several studies done on surveillance programs show they are far from successful. The ACLU evaluated a similar police surveillance program used in Lansing, Michigan. In 2009 and 2010, we found that major crime actually increased within the 500-foot viewing range at five of the 12 cameras posted around the city.A Detroit police spokeswoman indicated in January Green Light cameras have never helped stop any crimes in progress, and people routinely perpetrate crimes in open view of the cameras. However, the high-def footage does seem to go along way in helping officers solve crimes after they've occurred.
An exhaustive analysis just published in National Geographic on expanding surveillance networks around the globe concluded that there is no evidence that live feed surveillance camera networks prevent crimes. Many places, including China, London, and New Orleans, have live surveillance networks, but National Geographic found that there is no proof they protect anyone.
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