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Cameras To Watch Cameras In Maryland

Posted by samzenpus on from the watching-the-watchers dept.

Cornwallis writes in with a story reminding cameras everywhere that just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't watching you. "Many people find speed cameras frustrating, and some in the region are taking their rage out on the cameras themselves. But now there's a new solution: cameras to watch the cameras. One is already in place, and Prince George's County Police Maj. Robert V. Liberati hopes to have up to a dozen more before the end of the year. 'It's not worth going to jail over a $40 ticket or an arson or destruction of property charge,' says Liberati."

3 of 297 comments (clear)

  1. Re:But... by DJRumpy · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I would have to agree that you are putting way too much faith in us. I used to work at Mobile before it merged with Exxon, and it was right off the interstate. It was fairly common for bullets to hit the glass as high as the 14th floor.

    People love to shoot at things that irritate them, and these cameras are nothing more than revenue machines.

    "It costs us $30,000 to $100,000 to replace a camera. That's a significant loss in the program. Plus it also takes a camera off the street that operates and slows people down. So there's a loss of safety for the community," says Liberati

    Considering far too many of these speed cameras and the associated street lights they monitor, have been caught shortening yellow light times beyond federal standards to 'catch' people running the light, I would question their motives.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6he1M5wexic

  2. Re:But... by EdIII · · Score: 5, Interesting

    It can more simple than that.

    RC Helicopter. Just create a payload with a strong magnet. Fly by, stick it to the camera, and detonate. Small controlled explosion with no collateral damage. Even better, just design something to block the camera itself. Sticks on and is passive. No damage to anything.

    What about high powered lasers? Cameras can't be watching everywhere. Set a laser up to hit the camera over a longer period of time and it will be slow damage, but ultimately very effective. Has an added bonus that anybody caught while the camera was an impaired can effectively argue against the ticket due to the damage.

    I'm all for civil disobedience and the destruction of these cameras, but that's not an excuse to break out the ol' RPG.

    What would be the optimal solution is actual mass protests. Have real human beings blocking cameras and sensors with their own bodies. That stops the cameras from functioning and has the added benefit of a quite visible protest.

  3. Re:um... by cayenne8 · · Score: 4, Interesting
    Maybe dress up in your best black ninja gear...out of a car parked out of range...and use some nice, super high powered hand held lasers, and burn out the CCD's on the cameras...?

    Not that I've given any thought to this in the past...or.....anything....

    --
    Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........