Plymouth Township

Police Department

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cameras can be Lifesavers

7/27/2005

While some people may think cameras in public places are too reminiscent of "Big Brother" from George Orwell's classic "1984," we believe, if properly used, the cameras can be a great deterrent to crime and a great resource for police officers.


Plymouth Township police will be installing two wireless cameras on Germantown Pike near the Plymouth Meeting Mall. The cameras will be able to pan, tilt, zoom, focus and change direction, according to township police Chief Carmen Pettine.
 

Certainly we would understand the concern if police wanted to place cameras in a residential neighborhood because there would be the potential for the invasion of privacy.  However, placing cameras in the highly commercial area of Germantown Pike near the mall will be a tremendous asset to Plymouth police.  If an accident occurs, police will know immediately, thus aiding in response time for emergency services and in removing the accident from the road to allow traffic to return to normal.

Cameras are being used along Marshall Street in Norristown by a private developer.  They are in a commercial area, which does have some residential units, but most of them are on second floors.
The cameras in Norristown catch more criminal activity than they do motor vehicle violations, but that's exactly what they are needed for.
Norristown also has received a grant to install cameras along Main Street.

The additional cameras could serve the same purpose as those in Plymouth, but residents of the borough should welcome the added bonus of being a possible crime deterrent.
 

"Big Brother" is a concern and we will be the first to admonish any police department that attempts to infringe upon the rights of private citizens.  Video cameras along heavily traveled roads do not invade privacy. Driving is a privilege that can be revoked, and the cameras will make it easier for police to determine who is abusing that privilege.
 

For More Information Contact:

Plymouth Township Police Department
700 Belvoir Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Tel: 610-279-1900
FAX: 610-279-9974
Internet: JLawrence@PlymouthTownship.org

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