Police Initiate Camera Sharing Program

Enlist civilians to help keep an eye on the street

Oh, Big Brother. The Philadelphia Police Department unveiled its plan today to initiate SafeCam—a partnership between police and civilians that would allow the citizens of Philadelphia to register their private surveillance cameras with Philly’s finest. Then—when a crime occurs—the PPD can pull up its database of registered cameras to see if someone might have snagged the incident on tape. They won’t be able to directly monitor the cameras regularly, but will know where to look for video footage. The Scoop likes any idea that might stop these flash-mob attacks, but thinks it’s important to remember, remember the fifth of November. [WHYY]