Do You Think Cameras Deter or Prevent Crime? Experts Say No

If you ask some experts the question "do you think cameras deter or prevent crime," you might get a resounding "no." More and more criminal experts are refuting the idea that crime cameras actually work.

When cities and businesses need the cameras to work, they often fall short. For example, New Orleans has installed cameras throughout the city to catch criminals in the act.

However, city residents and city council members were outraged when a shooting took place and the crime camera that should have caught it all was not rolling at the time.

Perhaps the most damaging consequence of the cameras not rolling when they should be is the message that malfunction sends to criminals. If they believe there is a good chance the cameras won't work when they commit a crime, there is little deterrent to prevent them from doing so.