Comment Re:Let's hear from the Brits (Score 1) 322
A number of points come to mind.
Most cameras are owned by business protecting their property rather than the public, though the police can acquire any footage if a crime/criminal may be covered by it.
By law you can request a copy of any camera footage covering you, and the owners must supply a complete copy at minimal cost.(see recent Mark Thomas show, CH4).
The fear of crime is much greater than the probability of crime and cctv does much to assuage this, though it actually aids much more in the apprehension of criminals than in crime prevention.
Finally, for interesting speculation on the effects of constant surveillance on a society, I recommend "Oath of Fealty" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle.
Most cameras are owned by business protecting their property rather than the public, though the police can acquire any footage if a crime/criminal may be covered by it.
By law you can request a copy of any camera footage covering you, and the owners must supply a complete copy at minimal cost.(see recent Mark Thomas show, CH4).
The fear of crime is much greater than the probability of crime and cctv does much to assuage this, though it actually aids much more in the apprehension of criminals than in crime prevention.
Finally, for interesting speculation on the effects of constant surveillance on a society, I recommend "Oath of Fealty" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle.
