Crime Cameras Work in D.C. (because they watch them, unlike SF)

This is not SF. But it could be.
The Snitch was the first to report that SF’s Crime Cameras have been doing diddly squat to stop crime. But according to the Washington Post this morning, D.C. has had some serious success with crime cameras.

Critics say all the D.C. cameras are doing is shifting crime around, but still, it’s an impressive fact that violent crime decreases by 19 percent within 250 feet of each D.C. crime camera.

What’s D.C. doing with crime cameras that SF isn’t? Simple: they’re actually watching them.

Until late last year, officers had used the 73 cameras mainly as an investigative tool, checking the recordings after crimes were committed to look for leads and evidence. They began to monitor live images from dozens of cameras, most of which are on utility poles, choosing locations based on crime trends. Lanier had said she wanted to use technology to solve crimes more quickly or stop them in progress.