Big brother really is watching you....

Katy1 · Post by **Katy1** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:28 am

Town trials talking CCTV cameras

Street offenders on Teesside are being shamed by "talking" CCTV cameras.

Seven cameras in Middlesbrough town centre have a facility, which allows operators to bark orders at those involved in anti-social behaviour.

Officials hope the additions to the town's 160 cameras will help to further reduce street crime.

It is the latest crime prevention move for Middlesbrough, whose elected mayor is Ray Mallon, the former senior police officer who was dubbed Robocop.

Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for community safety, said: "CCTV is making Middlesbrough safer and this added facility will make it more effective.

'Community safety'

"For example, if an operative now sees someone dropping litter, they can tell them to pick it up, or if they see an incident starting to get out of hand, they can give advice that will hopefully nip it in the bud.

"I think that it will give people extra confidence as they go about their business and re-enforce the message that Middlesbrough is a place that is constantly thinking about community safety."

A similar "talking" system was piloted in Wiltshire in 2003.

Mr Coppinger added: "Middlesbrough's CCTV network is one of the most comprehensive in the UK and in 2005 was responsible for helping net 678 offenders. "It was also responsible for helping locate 15 missing people."

The system is managed from a command centre in the town's main bus station and linked to Cleveland Police headquarters.

It is hoped to install another three "talking" cameras in Middlesbrough by April 2007.

What do you think of this??!!

I think it's a vile intrusion, I think if one of these camera's spoke to me I'd have to find a few choice retaliatory words...

Katy:mad:

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:35 am

I saw that on the news yesterday!

But if you are being watched on cctv all over the place anyway......may as well make you laugh!:wah:

woppy71 · Post by **woppy71** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:43 am

I think that if the operators where to able to do this, they would need some reeally good training. Your choice of words can easily inflame asituation as well as calm it.

As a Licenced CCTV operator myself, I know I wouldn't like to do this, I think that a policeman is more highly trained and would be better placed to do what is being suggested.

I am very concious of the benifits that CCTV can deliver, but I am equally concerned with the negativity that some people feel towards CCTV. That is why operatives have to be fully licensed now and have a good command of the law with regards to CCTV. This is so that a profesional way of working is maintained, as well as ensuring invasion of privacy is kept to an absolute minimum.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:54 am

:wah: I'm sorry this just makes me laugh, can you imagine walking down the crowded high street and then hearing a booming voice shout out

'Hey you, short lady, brown hair, black coat, red wellies (:p ) your kid just dropped a sweet wrapper!'

Sorry but i'd just crack up on the spot.

On the other hand what fun to be had eh? :sneaky: Mmmm wonder if theres any vacancies in my area.

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:58 am

Katy1 wrote: Town trials talking CCTV cameras

Street offenders on Teesside are being shamed by "talking" CCTV cameras.

Seven cameras in Middlesbrough town centre have a facility, which allows operators to bark orders at those involved in anti-social behaviour.

(snip)

What do you think of this??!!

I think it's a vile intrusion, I think if one of these camera's spoke to me I'd have to find a few choice retaliatory words...

Katymad:

I am surprised at the speed with which our society is succumbing to this

sort of intrusion. It is a repulsive development.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 6:05 am

I wouldnt mind having proof of the thug who ripped me off. If you're just an average law abiding citizen, then why worry?

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 6:15 am

Raven wrote: I wouldnt mind having proof of the thug who ripped me off. If you're just an average law abiding citizen, then why worry?

Ha! Ha! That's a good 'un!

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 6:20 am

Bill Sikes wrote: Ha! Ha! That's a good 'un!
LOL! unfortunately our world consists of voyuerism to the max. We dont make a move that isnt watched. Big satellite in the sky. Talk about your big brother! Society has long passed the point of privacy and personal rights. I think they were a myth anyway. (sorry my spelling sucks today)

woppy71 · Post by **woppy71** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 6:32 am

I do feel that if people witnessed some of the stuff I have seen happen on CCTV, and the fact of how many people have been brought to book over what they have done because of irefutable evidence, then it might convince some people of the need in todays society to have CCTV.

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 6:34 am

woppy71 wrote: I do feel that if people witnessed some of the stuff I have seen happen on CCTV, and the fact of how many people have been brought to book over what they have done because of irefutable evidence, then it might convince some people of the need in todays society to have CCTV.)

CCTV is one thing, but the OP wasn't just about that.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 6:35 am

And to think George Orwell saw it coming all those years ago.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 9:24 am

Raven wrote: If you're just an average law abiding citizen, then why worry?

:eek: Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

They said that about wiretapping too.

And...

And...

And....

Etc.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 10:29 am

Pinky wrote: Yeah, he was way ahead of his time on that one, huh?
Gosh yes! Can you imagine what else we have in store for us? Matrix maybe?

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 6:31 pm

"If you're just an average law abiding citizen, then why worry?"

+++++++++++ Because you don't know who's looking and you dont know what they're looking for. And because most people feel they have a right to privacy in their personal lives.

Katy1 · Post by **Katy1** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 8:04 am

Lulu2 wrote: "If you're just an average law abiding citizen, then why worry?"

+++++++++++ Because you don't know who's looking and you dont know what they're looking for. And because most people feel they have a right to privacy in their personal lives.

Totally agree Lulu.

If we all keep readily handing over our rights and freedoms in the name of 'security' then we'll end up sterile nations ruled by fear.

Katy

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 9:13 am

Yes, I get nervous when I hear people say "Why not? I've got nothing to hide." Well...maybe not today....but what'll you do when you can't escape from constant observation? The possibilities for abuse are horrific!

Katy1 · Post by **Katy1** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 9:28 am

Lulu2 wrote: Yes, I get nervous when I hear people say "Why not? I've got nothing to hide." Well...maybe not today....but what'll you do when you can't escape from constant observation? The possibilities for abuse are horrific!

Exactly, for example, what if an elected government decides in the interest of public safety or security to ban 'X'. The majority of us have happily been doing 'X' freely and democratically for years but now it is banned! We all thought because 'we had nothing to hide' we'd sign up to ID cards with biometric and other personal data on (which they've been tracking our purchases and other movements with, and even predict our political persuasions!) and let voiced CCTV fill our streets etc. Why not? Only the criminals should be worried, but now perhaps you are the criminal......where can you hide? No-where, the streets are surveyed, your details and DNA etc. are on file and you have basically sold away your identity. All in the name of our freedom.

Katy

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 9:31 am

Katy, the first time I saw all the cameras on London streets, I was amazed that folks weren't complaining! I was told they'd been installed to monitor tube stations, etc, and I could understand the logic....but.....why outside the tube stations?

Now, they're here, too. People are given traffic citations because the CAMERA recorded them speeding/running a light. Suppose you were having a cuddle with someone you shouldn't be having a cuddle with? :sneaky: Suppose you're carrying a package which "might" contain something illegal? Does this give them the opportunity to begin surveillance?