Misc news                                                                                            11/9/09 Ken Agee

 

The 4th quarter WGNA meeting was held on Tue 10/27/09 per the normal cycle of meetings (7PM on the 4th Tuesday of the months of January, April, July, and October).  Minutes of the meeting will be published later.

 

The meeting included some very good commentary from Fran Brown (Sr. Mgr of The Woodlands Apartments) on the recent successes of of the Garland Police (especially in helping bring down a major drug/crime organization) and fire prevention tips. 

 

Another hightlight came from Councilwoman Barbara Chick, who delivered the news that construction is finally beginning on the new Harry Hollabaugh Park on the north side of Walnut (3925 W. Walnut), just west of Jupiter.  This park celebrates Harry’s longtime contributions to the community, and was paid for by a 1997 bond.  It took a long time to find a good location, but local residents believe the site is a good one (replacing a neglected apartment complex), and that Councilwoman Chick’s efforts are key to its arrival.  The new facility is expected to be completed in the fall of 2010.

 

In other news, Barby Dike (President Emeritus) has arranged for our Neighborhood Police Officers to speak at our upcoming (Jan 26) about the use of camera for security and surveillance.  Following is some dialog between Mrs. Dike & one of our NPO’s:

 

 

From: barby dike
Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 5:50 PM
Subject: Surveillance Camera

 

I am inquiring about surveillance cameras in private residences.  I am the president emeritus of the West Garland Neighborhood Association and have seen the use of cameras to monitor the front of a property.  My question is regarding permits.  Are they required?  If not would you consider them a valid deterent to crime?  My residence  is on  Edgewood Dr. and our NPO is Tim Franey.  If you do consider them to be an effective deterrent would you be willing to talk to our association meeting in January of 2011 to inform us of what you think of it?  Our next meeting is the last Thursday of the month.  Our Council Representative is Barbara Chick.  Your consideration and comments would be appreciated.
 
Thank You,
Barbara Dike

 

 

Subject: RE: Surveillance Camera
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:36:13 -0600

Ms. Dike,

            Thanks for the inquiry.  I’m glad to see the West Garland NA doing well and moving forward, particularly on the topic of security and crime prevention. Surveillance and security cameras are a hot topic for homeowners all over the city and a lot of people are exploring their options with them as a crime prevention tools.

 

            First, I’d be happy to come speak at your next meeting.  Between me and NPO Franey, we should be able to answer most questions about the use of surveillance cameras. 

 

            On your specific questions:

 

1)  There is no permit requirement to install a camera.  However, there are some legal issues to be aware of concerning privacy issues within a neighborhood.  

 

2)  There is a difference between surveillance cameras and security cameras. 

Security cameras focus on evidence gathering and the capturing of images and information for later prosecution.  While useful, they may not be a deterrent to crime, particularly if the cameras are placed inconspicuously around the property.  They tend to be most effective after the fact for investigators.

Surveillance cameras, which are more common in commercial areas, are monitored cameras that allow a viewer to observe an area.  These provide a greater deterrent in that there is the possibility of an immediate response to crimes captured on video.

 

Overall, I am a proponent of cameras and camera systems, but their success depends on the intended use of the system (security or surveillance or both).  We can go over this in much more detail at your January meeting.

 

Patrick

 

Lt. S. P. McCully

Garland Police Department

Neighborhood Policing Unit

1891 Forest Ln.

Garland, TX 75042

972-485-4844