Do you believe surveillance cameras in public areas are worth the threat to personal privacy?

Sure I do.  The Boston Marathon bombers identities were discovered due to surveillance tape, and many other criminals have been apprehended due to their acts or appearances being caught on video camera.  Many large cities have used traffic light cameras and license plate readers, which are becoming more commonplace.  Businesses have long used “in store” video cams to record thefts, and for security in their parking lots.  “Cameras paired with software that compares plate numbers with lists of wanted suspects, missing persons, and stolen vehicles” is a big step forward in helping police track criminals. Video footage has long been used in court cases to prove all manner of offenses, so there are obviously many people who do not think about the possibility of their acts being recorded.  I don’t think the majority of people have a sense of “no privacy” at this time, but Big Brother is watching, or can watch you, so don’t screw up.  I do see a need, however, to come up with rules that set a proper “balance between the legitimate needs of law enforcement and civil liberties”.  And I think uniform cams would be a good next step in law enforcement for officers and citizens.