Would Cameras On Dodge Help Curb Violence?

Over the last few weeks, I've been asked -- or asked myself -- the same question many times: Would surveillance cameras along Dodge Avenue help to curb violence in Evanston?

Just as violence is a complicated issue in and of itself (why does it happen? how does it start? how can we stop it?), the question of whether or not to install surveillance cameras is, as well. I'm sure there's plenty of research proving cameras deter would-be perpetrators, and there's clearly a market for security systems in our country. Walk into most businesses and you'll see some form of video monitoring.

Deep in my heart, though, I don't think it makes a difference if one camera or fifty are trained on an area. If someone's intent on doing harm, cameras be damned -- the damage will be done.

If a burgler can walk into a bank in Evanston, rob a teller at gunpoint, then walk down the street with the weapon in plain sight until police shoot him dead, do you really think a camera on the sidewalk would have prevented that crime? Sure, he may have walked down a different block where there wasn't a camera, or hidden the gun inside his coat when he stepped outside, but what about the cameras inside the bank? Those didn't deter him either. What does the video surveillance inside a bank do to prevent a robbery? Not much -- at least not at the Chase Bank on Grove Street. Sure, it provided a visual image for those of us curious about what a bank robber looks like before police gun him down, but it didn't stop him from stealing or even walking out in public with a gun in his hand. The only thing that stopped that robber were other people.

Someone intent on doing the wrong thing will do the wrong thing whether or not it's recorded for posterity. Some, quite frankly, seem to get a thrill from getting "caught on tape". From what I can see, cameras seem to address our discomfort rather than making would-be-criminals uncomfortable.

However, I don't have all the facts. I'd like to hear the case for why Dodge ought to have video surveillance. There's a lot I need to learn about both sides of this argument, so please add your opinion to the comments section.

Believe me when I say I'm as fed up with the violence in Evanston as anyone, but I personally lean toward solving the problem with people rather than with cameras.

What do you think?