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CLOUDY Temp: 39 °F Wind: NNW at 3 mph Thursday, February 20, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend February 12, 2003 Central Point rethinks police cams CENTRAL POINT — After a short test run, local police removed their eye in the sky and are working to develop a policy that would govern the department’s use of a video surveillance system. "We’re in the development phase, and we still have a long way to go," said police Chief Mike Sweeny on Monday. The department installed a video camera atop the Grange Co-op grain elevator in October in order to work out any bugs in the experimental system. The camera, linked to the department’s high-speed wireless network, transmitted video to laptop computers in patrol cars or to desktop computers at the police station in City Hall. Perched atop the grain tower, the camera allowed officers to zoom in on Highway 99, Pine Street, 7-Eleven, the Bi-Mor Gas station, Ray’s grocery store and numerous banks and downtown businesses. A few weeks after it was installed, Sweeny said the equipment was removed. The surveillance system has the potential to stop crime such as vandalism or theft before it starts, multiply the department’s work force and help officers nab intoxicated drivers, trespassers or burglars, Sweeny said. He said it’s unclear when the department will finalize its policy, but added that the plan will take civil liberties and personal privacy rights into account. In addition, the camera’s placement hasn’t been decided. Sweeny said it could be placed in the city’s parks or at local schools. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy webmaster feedback A D V E R T I S E R S