Eyes in the sky

Merchants in downtown Cape Girardeau are looking for ways to cut down on the vandalism that has been occurring as inebriated people leave bars. Besides foot patrols, one possible method is to install surveillance cameras to monitor what's going on. The cameras not only would record crimes but serve as a deterrent.

Sikeston took this step in 2005, installing 21 cameras at schools, at the Sikeston Housing Authority and downtown. Part of the funding came from a U.S. Department of Justice grant. Sikeston Mayor Mike Marshall is enthusiastic about the results, both in solving and deterring crime.

Many questions remain before any such option is pursued in Cape Girardeau. One is the cost and who will pay. A larger issue is whether the people of Cape Girardeau are comfortable with the idea of police videotaping them on city streets.

Anyone who goes inside a business these days probably is being videotaped. Security cameras have become part of the price of doing business. Is being monitored on the street any different?

Orwellian or utilitarian? We might have to decide.