Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Wait....Cameras DON'T Work?

  • Chicago’s blue-light cameras have become a fixture in high-crime neighborhoods since they were first installed in 2001, but do they really deter crime and help prosecutors convict criminals?

    A study being released Monday gives the surveillance cameras a mixed review, saying they appear to have prevented crime in one neighborhood but not in another — and that the video quality is usually poor and rarely leads to a conviction on its own.

    The Urban Institute focused on Chicago Police Department cameras in sections of Humboldt Park and West Garfield Park. Crime there was compared with crime in similar areas without the cameras.

    The study found crime decreased more than 12 percent — or 38 fewer crimes per month — in the Humboldt Park study area from 2001 to 2006. The researchers found crime didn’t appear to migrate from the study area into the surrounding neighborhood.

    Over the same period, though, crime didn’t fall at all in the West Garfield Park area.

Gee, it couldn't have been that the area surrounding Humboldt Park is heavily gentrified and reasonably stable while West Garfield Park seems to produce nothing but abandoned buildings, declining property values and the misery mostly associated with a third world standard of living?

Nah, it has to be the cameras.

And how about this glorious bullshit?
  • Still, researchers said the cameras were worth their cost. The city spent $6.8 million to install and operate them. But for every dollar spent, the societal benefit was $4, according to the Washington-based Urban Institute, whose study also looked at cameras in Washington and Baltimore.
No information on how they came up with that "societal benefit." It's like they pulled the number out of someone's ass - probably J-Fled's. We're surprised no one has come up with a cost analysis on how much "societal benefit" is realized every time a dope dealer is killed or a junkie overdoses on fentanyl-laced heroin.

And here's an interesting tidbit:
  • Sally Daly, a spokeswoman for Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, said footage from the surveillance cameras is regularly reviewed in criminal investigations. “When it comes to blue light cams, they almost never capture the crimes that we review,” Daly said. “No one I spoke to here can recall a case where we utilized these cameras to gain a conviction.”
So much for a "societal benefit." Without even reading the by-line, we can guess who wrote this tripe - Main or Spielman. Let's check.....yup, it was Frank.

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62 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

They were meant to enrich friends of daley who got the contracts to provide the cameras. Now that he's not in office, he probably got his "envelope" too.

Richard the Rotten don't do nuttin' for nuttin' !! " Dem guz was my friends dat got dem camera tings"

9/20/2011 12:24:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SCC, exactly!

Who the hell are these "researchers" and what qualifies them as experts that can draw conclusions about crime?

Being employed by some "institute" only means they get paid under government grants to produce these stupid studies to justify political decisions.

9/20/2011 12:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The "societal benefit" is the collective amount of cash accumulated by pan-handlers, captured on tape or "caught on video".

9/20/2011 12:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Holy birdbath Batman!

With $6.8 million dollars we could of built a park with walkways, a fishing pond stocked with Asian carp and a bird sanctuary or something..you know?

..and let's see $4 dollars for every dollar spent is.....whoa! $27.2 million dollars of societal benefit.. where is it? How can the city possible be bankrupt after saving that much money.

Oh I see, they must mean the clouted societies benefit.

9/20/2011 01:02:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OT . just watched marshal Dillon on tv. Saved the episode with his sidearm. These united states were formed by rebels with guns. Support the NRA. I do ,sent me bullet pen and cap.also gun insurance.

9/20/2011 01:08:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WRT: "The study found crime decreased more than 12 percent — or 38 fewer crimes per month "

As any first year statistics major will tell you: "Correlation does not imply causation"

What direct evidence is there that the cameras caused the drop?

9/20/2011 01:10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WAIT! WHAT! We spend MILLIONS on them (thankse to ronnie luberman), and they dont work?!?!

How many actual officers could we have hired for that money?

9/20/2011 01:31:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OT: So, was DTEB confirmed today, or not?

9/19/2011 05:28:00 PM
yes he gone!

http://darien-il.patch.com/articles/city-council-approves-police-chief-appointment-by-4-3-vote

9/19/2011 11:22:00 PM
-
Ah, proof there IS a God!
(My condolences, Darien. Get ready to pay out on lawsuit after lawsuit, Darien taxpayers)

9/20/2011 01:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OT:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Violent crime in the United States dropped sharply in 2010 for the fourth straight year, but the murder rate in the Northeast soared...

Bucking the trend where crime rose when the economy soured, violent crime such as murder, rape and aggravated assault dropped 6 percent last year while unemployment remained stubbornly high.

At the same time, the number of murders jumped substantially in major cities in the Northeast, including... Newark, the statistics showed.

Boston saw a 46 percent rise in its murder rate, with 73 homicides in 2010, followed by a 13.8 percent increase in New York City and a 12.5 percent jump in Newark.

OK, so why did we hire this guy????
Now he wants to give us East Coast strategies to fight crime. Evidently they don't work to well.

9/20/2011 02:02:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The only folks the cameras work for are the connected contractors who rake in millions installing these things. Just who is watching the images that are fed back to the command center on Madison St.? Retired cops and other political gofers who probably nod off for most of their tour anyway. The red light cameras are another waste of tax dollars. Contractors and corrupt politicians and their ilk make out like bandits. The Chicago Way.

9/20/2011 02:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lol...on CLTV they reported 5000 plus arrests have been attributed to the blue light cameras. I would like to know who gave them that BULLSHIT number

9/20/2011 02:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The main stream media is propaganda.
Don't be an idiot.
Use your head.

9/20/2011 03:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Off Topic:

Rahm VERY pissed about HQ Peyton Place.

9/20/2011 05:04:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What is the formula or equation to calculate this "societal benefit"? Alot of these goofs (journalists) write whatever they want or relay some whack job's b.s., without consequence,accuracy or accountability. If I did that, I'd be sued. (even when I don't, I still get sued).

9/20/2011 06:27:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There have probaly been more convictions from cell-phone camera video--and that shit is free!

9/20/2011 06:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Speaking of studies, will the Illinois Traffic Stop Statistical Study ever end?!?! We can thank Obama for sponsoring and filing it and Blagojevich for extending it. More wasted tax money.

9/20/2011 06:33:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

$4 wont even get you a gallon of gas!

9/20/2011 06:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

From Rhaminator's budget idea blog:

supervisor fraternization
Make it against employee rules for department supervisors to fraternize (i.e. have sex) with their underlings. This will save the city money in two ways, it will cut down on the sexual harassment lawsuits when the relationship goes bad and will reduce the number of incompetent promotions when the supervisor puts their "special friend" in a better position. It would also make some of these city department seem somewhat legit. It would seem to go without saying but with so many out of towners now taking high level jobs in city departments a new rule would likley eliminate any confusion as to whether the conduct is wrong.

Submitted by gotta-run-weis 12 hours ago
0
votes
I agree

I disagree

The best part, the comments provide a winner in the name the 'Sup contest- McLovin!

9/20/2011 07:50:00 AM  
Anonymous The Eye In The Sky said...

Crime statistics have dropped nationwide and not everyone has cameras. Explain THAT, my little digital officianados!

9/20/2011 08:29:00 AM  
Anonymous HATER said...

OFF TOPIC:

SPEAKING OF HUMMER WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO J-FLEDS SUPER HUMMER?

IT DID BELONG TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT?

OR DID IT GET DONATED FOR THE PRICE OF A TOYOTA RAV 4!

9/20/2011 08:31:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I know of one case where a camera worked. A street execution at 4830 Sheridan. Camera showed shithead and got his full face picture from a block away. The images were viewed, 020 and 023 officers knew him and went right to his crib and found him still dressed in the bright green clothes he had on. The pistol-with brains still on it was recovered. Shithead got 40 years in IDOC, Quinn probably let him go after 2.

9/20/2011 08:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

cameras are like the plastic owl I put up to scare the birds and squirrels away from my garden, worked for a while, now the birds use the damn owl as a place to land.

9/20/2011 08:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

there is NO uniformity in the type or make of the cameras used by the city. As usual, it was about who knew whom. Most cameras were purchased at extremely low prices and sold at extremely inflated prices to the city. If the inspector general wants an investigation start with the cameras throughout the city

9/20/2011 09:24:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This year at Evergreen and Hudson alone, thousands of gang/narcotics loitering incidents sent over to zone 4 from the fusion center, resulting in two contact cards and six arrests. Success.

9/20/2011 09:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sally Daly, a spokeswoman for Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, said footage from the surveillance cameras is regularly reviewed in criminal investigations. “When it comes to blue light cams, they almost never capture the crimes that we review,” Daly said. “No one I spoke to here can recall a case where we utilized these cameras to gain a conviction.”

Au contraire Sally!
Whenever a copper is caught on camera drinking or engaging in any questionable conduct it becomes prima facie evidence of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt according to the media and the copper is 'toast.'
Ask Anita... that's SOP in the Crook County States Attorney's Office.

9/20/2011 09:28:00 AM  
Anonymous 5000 ARRESTS ?!?!?! said...

LIES! LIES! LIES!

Per Lt. Biggane of Media Affairs she states that 5000 arests have been made since 2006 with the blue light cameras.

These are outright LIES!!!

Print out the arrest reports LT!!!!

9/20/2011 09:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Off Topic:

Rahm VERY pissed about HQ Peyton Place.

9/20/2011 05:04:00 AM
==
He should be. It's splashed all over the winner of the best blog contest, which means a LOT of people know about it.

And, due to the Darien people coming here to check out the Ernie Brown comments (btw, they don't like our 'language' here), a lot MORE people have read about the Supe's activities.

Not good.

9/20/2011 10:23:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Off Topic:

Heard McCarthy is leaving with in the month. Embarassing domestic.

9/20/2011 10:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The only value those cameras have is to warn lost motorists that they made a wrong turn and are now in a ghetto neighborhood.

9/20/2011 10:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I installed a bird feeder in my backyard. I also bought a dog. Since doing these things, racoons have been on the decline in my garden. Maybe these "researches" could tell me which one is more effective...Dog or bird feeder. I'll pay them handsomely.

9/20/2011 11:14:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you get good cameras with better resolution they might well be useful. You can bet the city paid top dollar for low end junk supplied and installed by connected thieves.

9/20/2011 11:17:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SCC, exactly!

Who the hell are these "researchers" and what qualifies them as experts that can draw conclusions about crime?

Being employed by some "institute" only means they get paid under government grants to produce these stupid studies to justify political decisions.
-----------------------
That is certainly a fair question. In fairness though, cops often have no good solutions to dealing with crime either despite their extensive experience with criminals.

The problem does not lend it self to simple solutions.

9/20/2011 11:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I heard many of the cameras literally don't work. The city isn't paying to have them fixed when they break down so theres tons of them that are basically just a flashing blue light. They could've got that from kmart for $2.99.

9/20/2011 11:23:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

IAD uses them all the time, so I guess they are worth it in the department eyes. CPD pole camera's, just more smoke and mirrors. Criminals don't care about them. Just gives the public a false sense of security, that's all.

9/20/2011 11:53:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I always thought the cameras were a good idea to capture a victim's last moments as gangbangers Ray-Ray & De'Something-or-other pumped lead into an innocent victim. Kind of a little "F you!" from the city to crime victims.

Apparently, they cannot even do that!!

9/20/2011 12:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

ALL just a Demmocommie Scheme to funnel money to their politicially connected business partners, with the Taxpayers, again, having to pick up the Bill. They knew it all along, a child could tell these things don't work. CPD=OOC [Out-of-Control] with CORRUPTION.
Remember your 2% Raises.. ALWAYS remember..

9/20/2011 12:44:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
The main stream media is propaganda.
Don't be an idiot.
Use your head.

9/20/2011 03:30:00 AM

Mainstream Media = Communist operated, owned and run. Everything they spout is a LIE. TOOLS of the REGIME. Don't be fooled, Comrades. If the Media says it's Good, it's BAD. If the Media says its Bad, it's GOOD!!! Just remember the opposites rule.

Country down the Tubes due to-Media and Socialist Politicians. Wake Up America..

9/20/2011 12:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We had a guy shooting by one of our cameras. Of course, you couldn't tell who he was, but he was there letting off rounds, caught on camera.

9/20/2011 01:15:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

They have never asked someone who would know, an area detective, whether or not seems cameras are beneficial or worth the cost to purchase and operate.

The answer would be HELL NO. I have never been able to use these cameras to assist me in an investigation.

NEVER!

If someone with the ability to get rid of these things would take the time to see how they operate and footage we get they'd be gone tomorrow.

A HUGE waste of money

9/20/2011 01:42:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Off Topic:

Rahm VERY pissed about HQ Peyton Place.

--------

We heard an RD# was pulled.

Anyone have it?

It could be pulled up using an FOIA.

9/20/2011 02:59:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

the cameras are useless.....when will anyone (in power) admit that?

9/20/2011 04:25:00 PM  
Blogger Bosworth said...

those cameras are very effective. Check the video from the camera at Jonquil Terrace and Ashland in the North of Howard jungle. I just watched a drug deal directly under the camera. After the customer made his purchase, he walked to the corner of the closest apartment building and took a piss. All the while holding his 40 oz can of beer. Let's see...isn't that 3 infractions? Drinking on the public way, urinating on the public way, and oh yeah buying crack on the public way?!? That camera is very effective.

9/20/2011 05:45:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Off Topic:

Rahm VERY pissed about HQ Peyton Place.

9/20/2011 05:04:00 AM

Enough already. Either tell the whole story or STFU. I expected McStupe to resign yesterday--as I read on this blog--I put on my party dress, shined my Mary Janes, even bought a whistle...and nothing.

So SHUT THE HELL UP IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO SPILL THE BEANS. It's extremely annoying.

9/20/2011 05:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Off Topic:

Rahm VERY pissed about HQ Peyton Place.

--------

We heard an RD# was pulled.

Anyone have it?

It could be pulled up using an FOIA.

9/20/2011 02:59:00 PM
Well then pull it up if you are so concerned and it is that easy to do.

9/20/2011 06:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A total scam, designed to enrich Daley and his connected thieves.

Did you notice that those stupid flower pots are still going in? The last one I saw being built was on Sacramento through Humboldt Park, where it will destroy a two lane in either direction road and choke it to one way in both directions.

Thanks for that, you ballet dancing nine fingered piece of shit.

9/20/2011 06:24:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I know of one case where a camera worked. A street execution at 4830 Sheridan. Camera showed shithead and got his full face picture from a block away. The images were viewed, 020 and 023 officers knew him and went right to his crib and found him still dressed in the bright green clothes he had on. The pistol-with brains still on it was recovered. Shithead got 40 years in IDOC, Quinn probably let him go after 2.

9/20/2011 08:43:00 AM

Let me clarify this.

A murder occurred in front of the
camera.
The camera did not deter the
offender from this heinous act.
The camera did not apprehend the
offender.

9/20/2011 06:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I expected McStupe to resign yesterday--as I read on this blog--I put on my party dress, shined my Mary Janes, even bought a whistle...and nothing.

So SHUT THE HELL UP IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO SPILL THE BEANS. It's extremely annoying.

9/20/2011 05:46:00 PM




maybe, if you'd put on your lucky panties.......

9/20/2011 06:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

In fairness though, cops often have no good solutions to dealing with crime either despite their extensive experience with criminals.

The problem does not lend it self to simple solutions.

9/20/2011 11:19:00 AM




sure it does.



Chalkie

9/20/2011 06:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To 0504 am -amen to you. Either tell the f'in storty or shut up about peyton place. Go to the library if you have to tell the story. Use the computer there if u concerned about tracing the IP address WTF

9/20/2011 08:34:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

the quality of the pictures suck, ask the dics when it comes to trying to identify someone on a still with 50 pixels.

9/20/2011 09:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

CAREFUL IN 23~ when parking in their new parking garage. Parked there for the game and was told there has been two POs personal cars hit in hit and runs inside the garage. The sad truth is that other POs who work there are the offenders, one in her personal vehicle another in a squad. The garage has state of the art cameras but they can't view either accident. Luckily there was a witness.

9/20/2011 09:30:00 PM  
Anonymous The Box Chevy Phantom said...

Damn, SCC!

"...glorious bullshit..."

May we be allowed to add rapturous fuckery to the mix?

Ethereal ass-clownery?

Keep puttin' it on 'em SCC!

These sad, sore and sorry muthafuckahs have robbed this city blind and it causes us much grief and aggravation that the public is happy to finger point at The Police instead of dragging the ones actually responsible for the city money mess kicking, crying, pissing & shitting to swing on the very gallows they happily built for The Police. from...

9/20/2011 10:43:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

(OT) First thank you for this infomative blog your the best! I have called the CPD numerous times complaing about Christy Webber landscaping and now Walsh construction taking huge quanities of water from the hydrant across from my home in the 5400 block of South Laramie. I was told to call the airport because the "big Blue camaera" is on their property! So I called 773-838-3003 the Chicago police airport officers,they respond and do nothing!

Is this taking water illegal? Why with all the big city contracts that we pay for are they allowed to steal water under the watchful eye of another waste of money camera? Another disgusting friends of rahm's we presume!!

9/20/2011 10:47:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've seen many videos from UK CCTV, looks like pretty good image resolution. (Not that it's a deterrent; in many cases, the bad guys don't give a shit if they are being filmed)
but, WTF don't our cameras provide good images? Let me guess--a Daley family connected provider, maybe?

9/20/2011 11:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"We heard an RD# was pulled."

Wouldn't any RD "Pulling" occur on the 5th floor bathroom @ City Hall? I'm just sayn...

9/21/2011 12:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A total scam, designed to enrich Daley and his connected thieves.

Did you notice that those stupid flower pots are still going in? The last one I saw being built was on Sacramento through Humboldt Park, where it will destroy a two lane in either direction road and choke it to one way in both directions.

Thanks for that, you ballet dancing nine fingered piece of shit.

9/20/2011 06:24:00 PM

Continued waste of material and manpower to choke traffic. While at approximately 700 N. Sacramento one northbound lane has been unpassable due either to giant potholes or being submerged underwater for months. Who makes these decisions?

9/21/2011 01:38:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

(OT) First thank you for this infomative blog your the best! I have called the CPD numerous times complaing about Christy Webber landscaping and now Walsh construction taking huge quanities of water from the hydrant across from my home in the 5400 block of South Laramie. I was told to call the airport because the "big Blue camaera" is on their property! So I called 773-838-3003 the Chicago police airport officers,they respond and do nothing!

Is this taking water illegal? Why with all the big city contracts that we pay for are they allowed to steal water under the watchful eye of another waste of money camera? Another disgusting friends of rahm's we presume!!

9/20/2011 10:47:00 PM

Are you kidding me? I'm no fan of Walsh Construction but stealing water? Are you the old lady that looks out her window and takes the 6 year olds ball when it goes on your property or calls the police if someone steps on your grass?

9/21/2011 11:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Keep hating on DTEB and Darien, they will cancel their offer, Mcdippingbystickinanything will leave and DTEB will be in charge.

9/21/2011 02:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What ever happened to the devices that are able to pick up the sound of gun shots? Did anybody get that contract yet? (Hello Vanecko Boys & Patrick Daley) What good is that going to do. Chasing around gun shots all night? But the city will buy a few hundred just to take care of some "connected" contractor.

9/21/2011 03:43:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That's all true in 23. Brand new facility and they can't make out an accident in the camera secured .garage. One guy had a brand new truck, not 24 hrs old and was hit by a squad causing 1200 in damage. Other guy had his truck hit cauusing 300 in damage. Quality cops in that district.

9/21/2011 11:22:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Are you kidding me? I'm no fan of Walsh Construction but stealing water? Are you the old lady that looks out her window and takes the 6 year olds ball when it goes on your property or calls the police if someone steps on your grass?

9/21/2011 11:51:00 AM
-
Obviously, you're a renter, and you've never paid an outrageous City water bill. Damned right they should PAY for whatever water they're stealing.

9/22/2011 01:05:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A total scam, designed to enrich Daley and his connected thieves.

Did you notice that those stupid flower pots are still going in? The last one I saw being built was on Sacramento through Humboldt Park, where it will destroy a two lane in either direction road and choke it to one way in both directions.

Thanks for that, you ballet dancing nine fingered piece of shit.

9/20/2011 06:24:00 PM

Continued waste of material and manpower to choke traffic. While at approximately 700 N. Sacramento one northbound lane has been unpassable due either to giant potholes or being submerged underwater for months. Who makes these decisions?

9/21/2011 01:38:00 AM
-
I drove that route yesterday and it was like a slalom run, ducking and dodging, left to right, the half-built flowerboxes in the middle of the boulevard, the holes in the road, the yellow construction horses strewn all over the street, the newly painted yellow lane markers that don't quite cover the old ones, making for a very confusing and dangerous ride through the park. Can't imagine how much worse it is after dark.

I predict several fatal accidents there in the near future and I honestly believe the victims' families should sue the City over these dangerous intrusions into the roadway.

9/22/2011 01:12:00 AM  

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