In light of the recent Boston massacre, the presentation of video surveillance was indisputably instrumental in the identification of the two perpetrators who executed the senseless, violent acts. The captured video surveillance assisted federal authorities use of high tech facial recognition software to positively identify the two suspects.
In addition to the video surveillance that was supplied by local businesses, there were countless photographs and video clips that were taken by cell phones and digital cameras that had been turned over to authorities for further analysis. These photos and video images, captured by bystanders, in fact led to the identification of the suspects in the area of where the bombs exploded.
As a U.S. Army Veteran who was deployed overseas in a combat zone, I know first-hand of the dangers and threats that terrorists impose on Americans and people they profoundly hate. I have lived through countless mortar attacks and improvised explosive devices (IED), and must say it is something that should not be experienced on our home territory. Federal authorities have intercepted countless attacks against the U.S. as well as foreign countries and continue to do a superb job. Nonetheless, it is up to local authorities to gather intelligence and forward suspicious activity to federal authorities. Local police may not always detect such activity, so I encourage citizens to report any and all suspicious activity to police immediately. The growing embrace of technology into every aspect of our lives makes it feasible for citizens to be instrumental in assisting with crime detection and ultimately, prevention.
In addition to reporting suspicious activities, I encourage all business owners to install video surveillance cameras not only inside their establishments but also have at least one camera pointed outside their establishment, specifically covering a sidewalk, roadway or parking lot. Homeowners are also encouraged to install video surveillance devices on the exterior of their residence. Though video surveillance will not prevent crime it is certainly a deterrent.
A joint effort between citizens, local businesses, faith based organizations, first responders and local authorities is essential in fighting the war against terrorism as well as everyday crimes. We must all maintain vigilance and remain alert of our surroundings to keep our communities and our families safe.
Ptl. N. Reyes 299
Lakewood Police Department
Thank you mr reyes , just wondering any available funding, grants for lakewood residents to install cameras in developments where they live ??
Camera’s do not stop crime! they only capture the crime that WAS committed.
malls & large dept stores have millions invested into video camera’s, sensors, and loss prevention officers – and yet shop lifting has never been curbed.
you want to curb crime and or terrorism? START PROFILING! (yes, that horrible term the liberals turned into a crime).
Why in the developments , how about all of Lakewood 14 th street and oak knoll area ,we pay lots of taxes good Shabbos
#1 Go to home depot buy your own
I would also suggest that people arm themselves with any available guns that are still available in the stores. Think about a terrorist being on the loose in Lakewood , as police go door to door looking for him…… Wouldn’t you want a loaded gun at home to protect you just in case the terrorist likes how your home looks? Or would you rather rely on video cameras?
I recently read a very interesting article written by someone who lived in Hollywood during the LA riots. He was the only one who had a gun, while the other Hollywood-nicks were liberals and refused to own guns.
At some point during the riots, the rioters turned towards Hollywod to “go get ’em rich people”. The police were nowhere to be found. All the liberals crammed into this guy’s house because they all knew he had guns and they begged him to protect them (which he did, by the way, like a good conservative)
Think about the crown heights riots…..
Guys- get guns!!!
Home Depot got a Great selection.
Defensive measures begin with you. Do not believe that someone will always be there to protect or save you. You are the first line of defense.
Terrorist want to kill and maim as many people as is possible. They make bombs, and equip themselves with high capacity weapons.
People of good will do not go after terrorists, but they must be determined to protect and defend their person, their family, and their possessions from terrorist or others that would threaten them.
However, the first step is to always understand weapon safety, the proper defensive weapon to use, the proper storage methods, and the proper way to be defensive. This also means a call to 911 by a family member as you protect all that is under your protection.
Totally agree with yid… But I am in fact offended by Mr. Conservative’s comments!!! Start profiling? It’s unfair to the African American and Hispanic communities that whenever a crime takes place the perpetrator is classified as black male or Hispanic male. Would it be fair to profile all white collar crimes as white male, bearded, with a black coat and white shirt? Please watch what you say.