The Brown & White

Installing surveillance cameras in public areas in Bethlehem could be a great tool to reduce crime in the area, if used effectively.

The cameras, which are planned to be installed next year after approval, will allow police to monitor large areas and can record video to be used as evidence for crimes committed.

The cameras could fill gaps in coverage by police. It's not possible for police to be everywhere at all times and the cameras will be a good way for them to see what's going on without actually being there. The number of police patrolling the streets in their cars or Segways, however, should not be reduced because of the cameras.

Some students have voiced concerned about a possible invasion of privacy from the security cameras, but police claim the system will block private residence windows so police will not be looking in actual houses. The security cameras will also only be in public areas, so although it may feel like Big Brother is always watching you, they will not be watching you in your actual home.

A big concern for Lehigh students may be if the police focus more of their energy on breaking up parties off-campus by using the new camera system, but if the system is used as it should, the surveillance cameras won't become the new fun police.

The cameras could be a great deterrent against crime. The security cameras can and probably will help, if police use the cameras for their primary use: crime.