Question: The idea of "neighborhood policing" -- neighbors looking after neighbors
and cleaning up their neighborhoods -- is a great concept. That is, if
it were conducted lawfully -- and in the spirit of wanting to earnestly
contribute something worthwhile toward the bettering of the community --
would be a worthy thing. I mean who, aside from the criminals, wouldn't
welcome such a program?
However, the problem, as I see it, is this:
Law enforcement, in empowering individuals to act as an extension of
itself, is placing too much authority into the hands of those who are
likely to abuse it.
After all, law enforcement, in a growing number of cases, has already
demonstrated that it is quite capable of abusive behavior. Again, should
we expect anything different from "neighborhood policing" groups that
are operating as an extension of law enforcement of security camera ?
In closing, let me just say that without proper measures in the system
--a fair and unbiased board to monitor these "neighborhood policing"
groups -then we are, in effect, nurturing a lawless society.
Answer:In my community, an individual is being targeted with harassment by law
enforcement and certain members of the community. The reason? For the
"crime" of owning a security/ surveillance camera to overlook his
property and a portion of the public area -- which is PERFECTLY LEGAL.
Let me ask you something. How would YOUR community react if a similar
situation developed in the neighborhood? Would they ALL remain
"law-abiding citizens"? Would there be ANY form of abuse directed toward
this person in an effort to force him to either reconsider or move?
What if law enforcement said, "Look, there's nothing we can do legally
to prevent this man from operating this surveillance equipment. He has
the right to do so. However, there are other ways of handling this
situation. For example, we can detect when he has his system on and
disrupt the electronics there. To do this, we require your full
cooperation." NOW how do you think your neighbors would react?
