If the test is successful, the program will be expanded to 11 other neighborhoods. Use of police-monitored video cameras is prevalent in England, where 300 towns now use or plan to use the systems. A handful of U.S. communities are now using video or audio surveillance. The cameras are mounted on street signs are reinforced by metal to withstand vandalism. The Tacoma, Washington police department had to replace their cameras after gangs shot at and damaged them.
Police say the cameras keep areas safe and save money.
A program in Virginia Beach, Virginia allows one officer to view a 27-block area. As many as 25 officers would be required to patrol the same area. Cincinnati, Ohio and Memphis, Tennessee are also considering launching a video camera project. Redwood City, California has had audio surveillance in effect since December. The system can detect gunfire and send a message to a central facility about the location of the sound.