Australia - Victorian police [No, not the Bow Street Runners. Police from Victoria, a state in Southern Australia] will be using live camera footage of streets and roads across the state to spot trouble early and control unruly revelers this New Year's Eve.
The surveillance is part of a larger early warning system which may see police 'spying on' potential troublemakers from a state-wide network of cameras.
In the New Year's Eve trial, footage will be taken from cameras operated on city streets by local councils, as well as vision taken from major roads by Vic Roads's Traffic Management Centre. (more)
The same technique was used in New York City last night... and it worked. Helicopter and street cams did their part to assure a safe celebration. I was in Times Square last night and had the opportunity to see it, and hear it (via police scanner) in action. In addition to modern technology, departments like NYPD realized back in the 70's that future law enforcement would need to be cerebral and technical in addition to physical. The 70's education push has filled the ranks with some very smart people. As always, it was a pleasure to see NYPD at work. I wasn't there to see "The Ball" drop. Standing in "a pen" for six hours is not very cerebral. I was on Broadway in Times Square to see Les Paul; the 92 year old legend who made rock and roll possible.
