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Council Approves Security Cameras Downtown Save Email Print
Posted: 10:58 PM Oct 14, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:31 PM Oct 15, 2008
 Reporter: Joe Brown
Email Address: brown@kbtx.com
42 comments
A | A | A

Police will soon have increased visibility in downtown Bryan. But not in the way you might think.

The city council Tuesday approved the installation of security cameras in downtown Bryan. The cost is just over $100,000, but the city will have pay only about $12,000 with the remainder coming from grants.

Police believe the cameras will not only help them in investigating crimes that happen, but will also serve as a deterrent to those thinking about committing a crime.

"There's going to be video cameras, four stationary, two of them pan and tilt and are mobile so we can pull them out and deploy them somewhere else," said Bryan Police Officer Jason James. "They're going to be recording all the time so if something happens downtown we can go back and look at the video."

This is only the first stage of the program. The next phase will use cameras to help respond to accidents, medical calls, and one day, possibly used in partnership with retail businesses' surveillance cameras.
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Posted by: LOUIS MABRY Location: Bryan,Texas on Oct 23, 2008 at 05:17 PM
I think that the cameras will be a way for big brother to watch people that don't like what is happening in this country.
Posted by: To Aaron on Oct 19, 2008 at 10:51 AM
[The average driver breaks 3 laws a mile.] If true (which I doubt), it means that there are too many traffic laws, which should be removed, lest the be used to allow the cops to have "probable cause" to yank over ANYBODY they want within half a mile to harrass them for any reason (more of that safety vs security and liberty quotes that dopers always pull out when they get busted for being stoned in public) . [You need to learn what freedom means before thinking I'm a terrorist for not wanting to be recorded. Freedom means they leave you alone.] And you need to remember that your freedom to swing your fist ENDS where anyone else's nose begins (Mark Twain, I beleive). [They harassed me over my vehicle registration for longer than they looked for this guy.] Was your vehicle not registered or maybe not insured? Did they include the license number in their report? And did you send the information to your insurance company? They are the ones who usually follow up on noninjury cases.
Posted by: Aaron on Oct 19, 2008 at 01:37 AM
Wow. So many "What, do you have something to hide?" people. First we ALL have something to hide. The average driver breaks 3 laws a mile. Second “Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” - Benjamin Franklin Third “When the Government Fears the People, There is Liberty; When the People Fear the Government, There is Tyranny” - Thomas Jefferson You need to learn what freedom means before thinking I'm a terrorist for not wanting to be recorded. Freedom means they leave you alone. I have a problem with BPD. My vehicle was hit in the HEB parking lot and then the guy took off. I watched it happen. I got the license of the person who did it. I called BPD and filed a report. BPD went by the guy's house but gave up on the case when he didn't answer the door. I'm supposed to believe they are actually investigating crimes? They harassed me over my vehicle registration for longer than they looked for this guy.
Posted by: To Michelle on Oct 18, 2008 at 06:42 AM
" We are going to stay in College Station next time." Since you are more worried about security cams than crime, I'd suggest the LaQuinta... http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/28442364.html
Posted by: Michelle Location: Dallas on Oct 17, 2008 at 08:53 PM
My husband and I recently stayed in a downtown Bryan hotel. I had no idea that the area was so dangerous they are having to install security cameras. After hearing of this I canceled my reservations at the same hotel for next month. We are going to stay in College Station next time.
Posted by: Lifelong Resident of Bryan Location: Bryan on Oct 17, 2008 at 11:38 AM
I don't think I will be going to an area of town that is so dangerous the city council feels security cameras are a necessity. I have watched this city decline over the years to the point that parts of it are an absolute wasteland. It is very sad to see areas with so much potential plagued by big problems because small problems were ignored for so many years. The crime problem in this city did not happen overnight. It was a very slow and gradual process that brought us to where we are now. Unfortunately, I will be adding downtown to the long list of areas in Bryan that are no longer safe to visit. If this keeps up I am going to have to move to a safer city.
Posted by: Dolly Location: Bryan on Oct 17, 2008 at 07:59 AM
I think having cameras downtown is a wonderful crime deterrent. Maybe if the perpetrators know there are cameras, they'll think twice about their crime. I don't think it's an 'invasion of privacy' at all - I think our city is thinking of our best interests.
Posted by: To Ken on Oct 16, 2008 at 10:56 AM
"We have become so paranoid that we are allowing the degradation of basic rights and privacy." Don't you mean that YOU have become so paranoid that you think that cameras on public street are an invasion of your privacy? IMO, If "big brother" is going to take the effort to watch me 24-7 in order to bust me for dropping a piece of litter on the sidewalk instead of a trash can, they've already got legal tools to rip my life apart a hundred other ways with a whole lot less effort...
Posted by: no way Location: bryan on Oct 16, 2008 at 05:52 AM
You think the fat slob watching all the monitors will be doing his job.....lol He will be zooming in on your wifes cleavage and checking out your daughters. Next they will want to put a camera on your house. If your getting mugged in downtown Bryan, do you think the camera is gonna jump off the wall and save you? No, but a cop on foot would. I live in a small Texas town who dosent need cameras everywhere watching. We are all just smalltown folk, not Lindsey Lohan!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 15, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I can’t believe it!!!! KBTX has a camera filming downtown Bryan!!! They are invading my privacy… What am I going to do? Stop going downtown? I don’t hear people complaining about KBTX’s camera, or the ones at Walmart, or gas stations… Cameras are everywhere. This isn’t Mayberry; cameras are needed to make us safe and to stop crimes. I don’t have a problem with cameras being placed around town. Maybe the cameras will force the criminals out of town.
Posted by: Cecelia Location: Bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 05:22 PM
I don't like the idea of cameras everywhere, either. But, if someone is kidnapped or hurt, and the criminal is on camera and caught, or another crime is commited and the criminal caught, I guess it would be a big help. We don't live in such a safe world these days. I just hope that it isn't abused or used to increase revenue for the city, or anything like that.
Posted by: jessica Location: bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 05:12 PM
I have mixed emotions about this. I have 3 children myself and I'm thinking it would be good to "stop crime" by using these cameras, but I also fell that it would be an invasion of "ones" privacy.I don't think were going to see much going on downtown.
Posted by: Will Location: CS on Oct 15, 2008 at 05:01 PM
There really is not that much activity going on in downtown Bryan. We can be focusing on more important things in the area.
Posted by: Whatever Location: Bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 04:27 PM
The mayor said if you don't want to be seen or on camera don't come, or something to that effect. So, if one does not want to be video taped for no other reason but because they are downtown then maybe people should not come to First Friday or all the other downtown celebrations?
Posted by: Daniel ! Location: Centerville, Tx on Oct 15, 2008 at 04:05 PM
This is a asset for law enforcement along with the other tools in their trade that they need to do a job right to the best of their abilities.. Comment on invasion of privacy !! If you live the right life they (the police) are not watching you. If you have God an the police on your side, that is not an invasion that the world don't already know about you. Just pray that this tool works for the safety not only of us the people but will help keep law enforcement safe an able to do their job alot faster an quicker.. To the men in law enforcement Thank you an may God keep you safe from all harm ..
Posted by: Anonymous Location: CS on Oct 15, 2008 at 01:59 PM
So much for that $5 million program on the border. They set up 8 cameras and tested it for 1 month. Then they shut down the program for unclear reasons. What a waste. You can see the site for yourself here (note that the program has been down for almost a year now): http://www.texasborderwatch.com/ But you still lost $5 million on this. Isn't our military supposed to defend OUR borders?
Posted by: Constitutinalist Republican Aggie Location: Aggieland on Oct 15, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Since Texas has already set the precedent of putting cameras on private property, albeit along the Texas/Mexico border, to look for criminal activity, this is just a local step forward in the "spy on your neighbor" conditioning. ***** Citation: MSNBC.com updated 4:32 p.m. CT, Thurs., June. 8, 2006 EL PASO, Texas - The governor of Texas wants to turn all the world into a virtual posse. Rick Perry has announced a $5 million plan to install hundreds of night-vision cameras on PRIVATE land along the Mexican border and put the live video on the Internet, so that anyone with a computer who spots illegal immigrants trying to slip across can report it on a toll-free hot line.
Posted by: A Location: bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Don't you think that if a family member of yours was badly hurt, or your car was broken into, you would want to know who did it??? I would think so!! These cameras will be great, and NO they aren't meant to prevent ALL crimes. They are meant to possibly deter crminals, and to help CATCH them after the fact. No One like these things, but when it happens to you, you will be grateful!!!
Posted by: JusSayen on Oct 15, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Cameras in public locations doesn't bother me at all. If you're the victim of a crime, I bet you'd be glad they could identify the suspect on camera. As someone mentioned earlier, when you're out in public it's no longer private. Duh!
Posted by: EJ Location: BRYAN on Oct 15, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Can't help but believe that the people that are always yelling "INVASION OF PRIVACY" have something to hide.
Posted by: Domaco34 Location: bcs on Oct 15, 2008 at 12:44 PM
If it makes the streets even a little safer then what is the issue. Are you people hiding something? To anonymous at 9:21, your right those cameras will catch you braking the law. Uhhhh, duh. That is the purpose!!! And to the ones that are against it, you will be the first ones crying if something happend to you in an area that the cameras would help. It is to make our streets, your lives safer. Yeah, this is such a bad idea.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 15, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I definately believe it is a slippery slope when cameras start apeearing everywhere. But it is not an invasion of privacy because you have no right to privacy in a public area. When you go into the streets of downtown bryan you and everything you do is in public domain and can be recorded by anyone and used by anyone, including the police.
Posted by: Pennie Location: Bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 12:22 PM
If the police department wants to provide more security for people then lets put more officers on foot patrol or bicycles and get them out in the public eye. People would feel a lot better being able to see their presence. By watching these cameras what takes longer having police on the street already or having them rush to a scene possibly causing a accident on the way or being to late to catch the criminal or criminals? I could see having these cameras in big cities like New York or Los Angeles but I think they are going over board for Bryan. So I say get out of your patrol cars and get out into the public eye meet the people your trying to protect and earn more of their respect. I know I would feel safer knowing I can see the officers and not just depending on a camera to protect me. Pennie
Posted by: Me Location: Here on Oct 15, 2008 at 12:16 PM
How about focusing on the areas that have high crime rates instead of downtown Bryan. How much crime happens there? Not more that in the ghettos of this town. Pointless waste of money. Oh yeah, lets watch the people that go to eat there at night or that go to the bars because those are the people commiting crimes. I used to think that I would like to spend the rest of my life in this area but am now starting to see just how bass aackwards these two towns really are. I can't wait to graduate so I can move away from here!
Posted by: marcus Location: CS on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Heard a recording of the police chief on AM 1620 he said something like "The people that are concerned about privacy and would have us not place the cameras get the crime they DESERVE". I was shocked when I heard this I can not believe people are not offended by those comments.
Posted by: DW Location: College Station on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Hats Off to BPD Chief Ty Marrow for his comments on the radio this morning. "If you feel the cameras are invading your privacy and they are removed, then you get the criminal activity that you deserve." Millions of dollars have been poured into revitalizing the Downtown Bryan area. As business prospers, the criminal elements look at that as an opportunity to sneek in and take what the good people of this community work hard for. Chief Marrow mentions this in his interview. The cameras are there to protect our investments, not to invade anyone's privacy. I own property in Bryan and College Station. I want those who try to take it caught, tried and convicted. Thank you Chief Marrow for your words of wisdom and the efforts you are taking to make Bryan the great place it once was before the gangster "wanabe's" ruined it. They wouldn't make a pimple on a gangster's butt in Chicago. They'ed be dead within 5 minutes up there. Go get'm Chief!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:40 AM
When you go to a convenient store, a local business or a restaurant you’re on camera. They are even over intersections monitoring the flow of traffic. Why is placing them up to deter crime such a big problem? Is it because they are being purchased by a police department? You would think that the general public is concerned about reducing crime in their community. If you are not doing anything wrong, then you have nothing to worry about.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Yea, they need to place cameras all around Lone Star on 21! Then they might catch someone in that area!
Posted by: Freddie Location: Bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:43 AM
This is a great idea..as long as every business in Bryan gets free security cameras.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Sounds like Bryan needs to put these cameras in problem areas and not in downtown!
Posted by: Concerned Old Conservative Location: College Station on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:35 AM
We have forgotten what separates us from the Russians, Chinese, Romanians, etc. Used to be that we were critical of this kind of activity by the Eastern Bloc countries. Safety is one thing, but using the HUMAN factor (i.e. officers) is a much better idea. What's next? Cameras in our neighborhoods with tilt and zoom to see when we come and go from our own homes? Much better to spend the money on hiring a few more officers (street beat) to do the job the right way. Let us not become like those countries we used to criticize!
Posted by: jfk on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:07 AM
i vote no!
Posted by: wayne Location: Buffalo on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Although I don't live in Bryan my son does and we frequent the area often. I do believe it good to help deter crime and/ or solve crimes once committed. It is an invasion of privacy but if used in high risk areas and for the purpose intended I can overlook the invasion. Once the government on any level use it for other purposes than as intended it becomes an invasion issue.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 15, 2008 at 09:21 AM
We dont need cameras placed every where ,sometime ago the general population has forgoten each that each person and family unit should be responsable for their own safety .The police generally does not stop a crime they just fine and fee every one for the money after the fact . The easyier the better for another money feeding frinzy .The police and the city should remember they serve the people , but instead they have created a book of laws they can draw an endless amount of money and fine or jail any one the want if they see fit. kill the cameras! Besides the camers would wind up watching for seat belts and inspection stickers and car seats , and dont forget the trailer chains that have to be dot approved that no police officer has a clue what the specs. might be .
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 09:19 AM
I think that more cameras are needed in certain areas, specifically around finfeather & pepper tree. Our company and others over here have had everything from our cars broken into, to our a/c units being stolen (3 one night and 5 more the following). A new fence was put up along the back of our offices and within a few days parts were torn down/cut thru. You definitely do not want to be here at night. Maybe if there were cameras the cops would be able to catch these repeat offenders.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Anonymous, did you not realize there is a lot of crime in those bathrooms? The cameras in there will only make you safer.
Posted by: Bull Location: Bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Why don't we legalize prostitution in Bryan while we're at it? There would be many benefits. Downtown Bryan would finally become that "destination" that the city council so badly wants. There would be increased tax revenues to spend to make the citizens "safer". The LaSalle would finally get enough customers to fill up and make a profit. Yes, we can do all these things. But does that make it right?
Posted by: andrew Location: bryan on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Do the cameras make me feel safer? No. Do the cameras invade my privacy? No, I gave that up when I ventured out into public in the first place.
Posted by: stuckey Location: bcs on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:13 AM
I wont be going to downtown Bryan anymore.
Posted by: Bryan Resident on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:09 AM
I think it's great that they are doing everything possible to keep our streets safe! As a mother of two, I am willing to comply with anything to keep them safe. It's not like they are putting them in your house!! If you have nothing to hide then it shouldn't be a problem!!
Posted by: Educator Location: BCS on Oct 15, 2008 at 07:56 AM
"...but the city will have pay..." I think we have a problem...
Posted by: Ken Location: College Station on Oct 15, 2008 at 07:03 AM
First came the cameras at intersections. Now they will be watching in other places. This is a slippery slope into the hands of Big Brother. We have become so paranoid that we are allowing the degradation of basic rights and privacy. A truly unfortunate situation.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 15, 2008 at 06:13 AM
As long as they don't put them in the bathrooms...
Posted by: Anonymous Location: TAMU on Oct 14, 2008 at 11:59 PM
thats the dumbest thing the city has come up with in a long time.. we dont need big brother watching us...
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