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Surveillance cameras in Orlando make some citizens uncomfortable

On Behalf of | Jul 30, 2013 | Criminal Law

Over the course of the past few years the city of Orlando has invested a large amount of taxpayer money in surveillance cameras that were placed throughout the city. In total, 130 of the cameras are now monitoring the behavior the city’s residents. The idea behind the IRIS cameras is that they will help prevent crimes.

While most people want to live in a community that is safe, many take issue with the installation of the cameras. They feel that their presence is taking away the right to privacy citizens of Orlando expect. The failure of the city to provide citizens information regarding where the cameras are placed is undoubtedly contributing to that feeling.

The abundance of these cameras will undoubtedly have an impact on the way that criminal cases are defended as well. As evidence is the key element in prosecuting and defending a case, it is likely that prosecutions will turn to video recordings to help support cases. While it is possible the video could also work in the favor of the defense to for instance prove that someone on trial wasn’t actually at the location of a crime, because the video is not available to citizens of the city to view, it is unclear whether it could be obtained for that purpose.

Whatever the circumstances surrounding an arrest or criminal charges, it is important that the accused do what he or she can to mount a vigorous defense. For most individuals this entails hiring a criminal defense attorney to handle the case. Taking this action in a timely manner could have a huge impact on the outcome of the case and may even result in the charges being dismissed.

Source: WFTV, “9 Investigates IRIS cameras around Orlando,” July 16, 2013

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