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UK's Public Cameras Listen For Trouble

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the can't-get-away-with-anything dept.

You're probably already aware of the United Kingdom's large network of video cameras inspecting public places. News.com now reports that they'll be listening for trouble as well. Based on a model in use in the Netherlands, new cameras will be fitted to 'listen for aggressive tones,' such as those used during an argument. From the article: "The system works by putting microphones in CCTV cameras to continually analyze the sound in the surrounding area. If aggressive tones are picked up, an alarm signal is automatically sent to the police, who can zoom in the camera to the location of the suspect sound and investigate the situation. 'Ninety percent of violent cases start with verbal aggression,' Van der Vorst said. 'With our system, the police can respond a lot quicker to a violent situation.'"

9 of 195 comments (clear)

  1. When I woke up this morning by Centurix · · Score: 5, Funny

    I let off some aggressive tones, I would classify the smell as Dutch too. Glad I live on the other side of the planet.

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    Task Mangler
    1. Re:When I woke up this morning by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      That damn Bush administration won't stop until anybody has no rights. Is a sad day in amerika :(

  2. Yes by LunarCrisis · · Score: 4, Funny
    'Ninety percent of violent cases start with verbal aggression,' Van der Vorst said. 'With our system, the police can respond a lot quicker to a violent situation.'
    Yes, in fact, they can even arrive at the scene before the violent situation errupts! Oh wait, didn't they already do a movie about that?
    --
    Mr. Period: Nine is the one that's right by ten!
    Nine: One day I will kill him. Then, I will be Ten.
  3. What would be more accurate and cost-effective... by arc.light · · Score: 3, Funny

    Mandate that every UK resident pay to have a tracking device and microphone implanted in their body. Since you couldn't trust UK citizens to police themselves, outsource the monitoring of these surveillance devices to India.

  4. Shweet by The+Bungi · · Score: 2, Funny
    Next time I'm in London and I'm about to pop a cap in some ManU cracker at a pub I'll say "prepare yourself for the afterlife, dear" in a very soft voice. It sure beats "YOU"RE GOING DOWN MOTHAFUCKER!!!"

    $DEITY bless technology.

  5. Help, Mimes! by Tablizer · · Score: 3, Funny

    This will just encourage crooks to become mimes. It is one thing to be mugged, another to be mugged by a mime, for godsakes!

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    Table-ized A.I.
  6. Re:Privacy? by flatt · · Score: 5, Funny

    Seriously Brits, that book wasn't meant to be used as a manual.

  7. Re:what the hell is this for? by zCyl · · Score: 2, Funny
    Our lives have become safer than any time in history; what the hell do we need this stuff for?

    Don't complain, celebrate. Declare a national "Yell-at-a-Camera Day" and get everyone you know to participate. :)
  8. Re:They don't have fire hoses attached... yet by Hogwash+McFly · · Score: 3, Funny

    You! Yes, you! Stand still laddie!

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    Mother, do you think they'll like this sig?