Subscriber Discussion

Video Cameras At Late-Night Businesses May Be Required In Detroit

PS
Paul Shah
Jun 06, 2017

Video Cameras At Late-Night Businesses May Be Required In Detroit

 

Is it even legal for a city to force the tax payers to use one vendor?

 

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Jun 06, 2017

Probably, because it is being paid for out of the business owners pocket.

U
Undisclosed #2
Jun 06, 2017

not sure how your 'because' statement supports your declarative 'probably' lead.

why would the business owners paying for the mandated surveillance systems required by this proposed ordinance have anything to do with the legality of the proposed ordinance?

 

PS
Paul Shah
Jun 06, 2017

The businesses will be forced to purchase equipment from one manufacturer: Comcast/Genetec 

U
Undisclosed #2
Jun 06, 2017

yes that is true...

I was replying to UD#1s reply which seemed to be answering your 'is it legal?' question affirmatively - because the business owners pay for the equipment...which I did/do not understand.

To your original post Paul, this is far from the first time that this type of ordinance has been proposed at the municipal level.  If you are a local council member and/or regional politico, it's an easy talking point to attempt to show that you are 'tough on crime in your community' - disregarding the seemingly obvious selective application of such a 'law' that singles out a specific type of lawful business.

NOTE:  IANAL

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Jun 07, 2017

To clarify: The original post referred to taxpayers making it sound as though there was a belief it was public funds paying for this.  If that is what it will be challenged on that will fail.  The system is not paid for by public funds.

PS
Paul Shah
Jun 07, 2017

Yes, it's true the public funds are not paying for this, but I've seen municipalities shy away from this because they are forcing the citizens to purchase from one vendor. They concider this a conflict as the citizens should have a choice.

This is differnt than a sole source contract.

(1)
UI
Undisclosed Integrator #3
Jun 07, 2017

In true Detroit fashion they will most likely require those video feeds to provided by a single integrator for "uniformity"... Time to start lining some pockets... 

(1)
PS
Paul Shah
Jan 12, 2018

Now that they have scaled past the initial dozen businesses, it seems the effectiveness of the program isn't panning out. Its more of a reactive tool instead of the proactive tool that they initially claimed in the media.

 

Project Green Light faces scrutiny as Detroit eyes mandate for thousands of businesses

Avatar
Kenton Peterson
Jan 12, 2018

They should build a website where they post videos and still images from any crimes committed at Green Light locations offering rewards for the apprehension of any suspects. Sales of ski masks might go up, but at least they could convey a proactive approach towards their reactive system.

PS
Paul Shah
Jan 12, 2018

That is a good idea but its sold to the businesses as a deterrent and a way to prevent the crimes from happening in the first place.

New discussion

Ask questions and get answers to your physical security questions from IPVM team members and fellow subscribers.

Newest discussions