Baltimore crime and cameras
A few weeks ago, I wrote about a study on the use of police surveillance cameras in San Francisco that showed they do not curtail violent crime -- though they seem to lead to a reduction in property and nuisance crimes.
A study is being conducted on the use of cameras in Baltimore, and I look foward to the results. Meanwhile, city police and prosecutors continue to debate their effectiveness -- with police hailing them as a useful tool and prosecutors saying they aren't all they're built up to be.
I mention this again because Baltimore police announed yesterday that they used a surveillance camera to make an arrest outside Club One early Monday morning. No details have been provided as to exactly what the camera picked up. I'm anxious to see this one and whether it helps build a case and put the shooter away.
The Baltimore Police Department news release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Camera Technology Leads to Prompt Arrest of Shooting Suspect
BALTIMORE, MD / Feb 16, 2009 – Dennis Bullock, (29), of the 2600 block of Edmondson Avenue, was arrested and charged with attempted murder in connection with a double shooting that occurred in the 300 block of Holliday Street. On February 16, 2009, at 1:40 a.m. Central District officers were dispersing a large crowd that was exiting Club One, due to an occupancy violation. It was at that time that Mr. Bullock began to discharge multiple shots into the crowd. Two women were struck, and suffered non-life threatening injuries.
The shooting was witnessed by both officers on the scene and also the citywide camera system. Mr. Bullock then fled into an adjacent parking lot. With the assistance of camera operators, Bullock was apprehended by officers after a brief foot pursuit.
"Issues of violence around the Club One establishment continue to be a concern for the Baltimore Police Department," said Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld III. "We have invested in technological systems that enable us to help provide a margin of safety and station our officers in locations to avert violence. If and when violence occurs, we are prepared as underscored in last night's results. We will pursue all options available to ensure the community is safe and people are held accountable for their actions."
