Damon Locantro has made a name for himself on the Sunshine Coast defending people charged with breaking the law. His practice, Locantro Lawyers, specialises in criminal defence but also offers services to those facing action by a government department. Damon has 15 years experience in criminal law and was formerly a NSW prosecutor and member of the NSW Police Service. Why we need more CCTV cameras
| Damon Locantro
Before the council election, I wrote inviting candidates to discuss law and order issues.
Some responded that law and order was a state issue. While the police are funded by the state government, I believe that law and order is an issue for all of us, including local government.
I would like to see the Sunshine Coast Regional Council take more responsibility for law and order than any previous local council has done.
The first measure should be a widening of the use of CCTV. Perhaps we need a co-ordinated effort from residents, businesses and government on this issue.
A major study into CCTV undertaken by Bond University of the Gold Coast concluded that the effectiveness of CCTV as a crime prevention tool was questionable, but research showed that it was effective at detecting violent crime and may result in increased reporting of crime.
I believe that CCTV would make the job of investigating and prosecuting crime much easier.
I am involved in a case at the moment that has highlighted the benefit of CCTV in the detection and prosecution of crime.
While the evidence in this particular case is not strictly CCTV, because no cameras were erected in the area, the evidence included photos that were being taken from cameras.
There were approximately three seconds between photos on each of the cameras.
That is the other benefit of CCTV.
CCTV is used in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, and we should at least have it in the hot spots of Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Noosa.
Maybe it could also be used in any area where there is a licensed pub or club.
It may persuade those who might otherwise offend not to, and also assist the police in the detection, investigation and prosecution of crime.
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Recent Comments
It comes down to making people stand up and be accountable for their actions.
If, for some reason, the footage isn't admissable in court then its money down the drain.
For the record, I'm in favour of more cameras. The laws we have around privacy and data protection will ensure that the footage only sees the light of day should I do something wrong.
Statistics confirm that since the introduction of cameras in Queensland taxis, offences have been dramatically reduced.
They also come in handy in other ways... let me explain:
Recently a passenger gave me two $50 notes to pay for a $56 fare.
I (stupidly) placed the notes on the centre consul while I turned away for a second to get the customer's change.
After giving the change to the customer, I noticed the two $50 notes weren't where I had placed them.
After asking the customer about this, he just said he had given me the money and it wasn't his problem if I lost it.
I couldn't really accuse the customer of any foul play, but as he hopped out of the taxi and was about to walk away, I did remind him that if I can't find the money then I will have to ask the Police to download the pictures from the incab camera to see what happened to it.
That was when he pulled the two $50 notes out of his pocket and threw them at me, saying "you can't blame a bloke for trying, can you?"
I won't repeat how I replied to that question, but the bottom line is that if not for the camera, I'd have been down $100.
I'm all for CCTV... anything that helps prevent crime, or at least helps determine the facts after the event, has my full support.
Eye witness accounts are not always accurate.
In fact, as a Police Officer I was well aware they are so inaccurate that when two statements match completely, this is an almost sure sign of collusion to "get their story right" between two or more people.
I'll believe video evidence over an eyewitness account any day!
Even with the example you gave in your own cab the offence was actually committed.
The fact that people committ offences whilst on CCTV or other recording equipment comes more down to ignorance as to their presence. Not many besides the obvious bank robbers would consider, hmmm, better not, might get recorded doing this.
One only needs look at speed camera, pubs, robberies from atms and the like to know that our offenders are more Dr Moron rather than Dr Moriarty.
I back you on this one Damon, but one wonders how many Council members would be behind you when they were flat out replying to your previous blog.
And if we're on the point about recording, why not also lobby for police cars to get gps fitted cameras and outfit the coppers with some personal digital video ability. Would make it pretty hard for anyone to doubt their word when it's taped.