Matt Scherer



Why security cameras in Travis Park are a good addition to our police force


Express-News file photo

When I read an article in this week’s Express News about installing surveillance cameras in areas like Travis Park, I thought of my friend, Kevin Koym. About six weeks ago, Kevin was attacked on Austin’s Sixth Street by a gang of muggers.

These guys didn’t try to steal his wallet or valuables. Instead, they wanted to hurt Kevin.

As I mentioned in a previous blog on my personal blog site, Kevin was smart enough to capture the attack on his I-phone. Still, he also was looking for an independent verification from a security camera. As someone who has worked with security firms that install commercial security cameras, I suggested he ask the local police investigating his attack to ask them for video footage.

So far, requests for help in the matter have not resulted in any outside camera footage.

That brings me back to the subject of using security cameras in areas like Travis Park.

In that article, park visitors said they would value the addition of cameras to monitor criminal activities.

Yet, while I understand the value of security cameras, there is still a lot more to be done to make them work. First, security cameras are only a tool. They’re not a police officer and can’t enforce things. Even the traffic cameras in Balcones Height are only a tool to capture people who run red lights. It takes a police officer to truly enforce safer driving activities.

Like a radar gun or a gun, we have to understand that the use of a surveillance camera is only a tool. Libertarians will question the use of them as an invasion of our privacy, but when it comes to preventing crimes like the one against my friend, Kevin, their deployment should go without question.

As the San Antonio police add more cameras, it should adopt a clear policy on their use and deployment. Here, publicity of their use and their effectiveness will make most of us understand their use and value.

Matt Scherer