Tourists like the video surveillance because it makes them feel safer. Jadel Roe, chief deputy of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, said her county has video cameras on dogs for surveillance purposes. Deputy Prosecutor Christopher Lalli of Las Vegas claimed video has proven its worth in prosecuting criminals, in detecting crimes undetected by others and as a deterrent. Lalli added that video evidence reduces court time because criminals tend to plea bargain once they see themselves on tape. Increase prison bed space.
Criminals commit crimes with impunity, knowing their chances of doing hard time are slim.
The situation is particularly acute with crimes against visitors, because tourists are reluctant to return to testify in court. Shortages of prison space preclude us from meting out appropriate punishment to wrong-doers. The above ideas will work only if the community has the will to make them a reality. Speaker after speaker at the Visitor Crime Solutions Conference told of the importance of teamwork and citizen involvement in successful anti-crime initiatives. Unless we all join in making this a better place for residents and visitors, we may find ourselves in an economic downturn from which we will never recover.