In July, 8-year-old Leiby Kletzky of Brooklyn was abducted and killed while walking home. Kletzky’s abductor was caught thanks in large part to security footage shot from local stores and a dentist’s office. Earlier this week in Woodhaven, surveillance footage from a store helped police find a suspected rapist.
In the wake of the Brooklyn tragedy, Assemblymembers Dov Hikind and Peter Abbate and State Senator Diane Savino said they would introduce “Leiby’s Initiative.”
The bill would give an annual $500 tax credit to any property owner who installs and maintains security cameras.
The Forum wholeheartedly endorses the passage of this bill. While we would be against any bill requiring homeowners to install cameras, offering incentives like tax credits is a smart idea.
But more could be done. Many business owners don’t own their property, rendering them ineligible. A bill or amendment that gives business owners further incentives for installing cameras would also be a big boost for neighborhood security.
Taking it even further, what if residents and storeowners were rewarded for the successful capture and conviction of suspect? The NYPD already offers rewards for those who submit anonymous tips; why can’t a small portion be held aside for businesses and residents who cooperate with investigations and help identify suspects with their cameras?
There are some concerns that this type of legislation will one day lead to a day when there is always a camera pointed in your direction. In fact, at this very moment, our editorial staff is watching a live feed of what appears to be mostly tourists walking through Times Squares.
But the cameras make us safer. As long as they are pointed in public areas, we welcome any camera that might help catch a violent predator—or even better, prevent the crime in the first place.
