CCTV & VIOLENCE CONTROL

[hashim]

I am a frequent traveller in GMPTE buses; but new in UK. I could not resist writing to you regarding the saddening event happened in the bus today. In a magic bus, in front of vigilant cameras, three teenager boys were fighting one another and all three bleeding from their faces. When I boarded the stagecoach bus from Rusholme at 21:15 hrs going to airport, the three were wiping off the blood with abandoned papers. Later, a girl joined them and tried in vain to calm them down. The passengers on the top floor were almost nervous by the shouts and "sweet and loving" dialogues of the four. People were coming up but going back immediately to ground seeing the nasty things. I was asking myself whether the so-called CCTV cameras are just for show or not? Or is this a common scene? I 'm not sure of either of them.

[peterw]

I never travel on buses but I presume the camera is there to identify trouble-makers. Had I been the driver I think I might have detoured to the nearest police-station. That’s what used to happen when Manchester City Transport had its own buses; trouble was then very infrequent though.

[TELENY]

This type of behaviour is becoming quite common on public transport.  I'm sure the driver is just hoping to get through his working day without being stabbed and is, naturally, unwilling to assert him/herself.

The failure of the driver to help create a (perceived) safe environment on the bus means that paasengers, especially, the vulnerable ones like lone women, old, disabled and the very young are seriously intimidated . . . or assaulted (or worse).
CCTV by itself is NOT EFFECTIVE in combatting anti-social behaviour on public transport unless it is instantly stopped and prosecuted.

There is no point in fuming, we need to encourage our local political leaders to start getting tough.  Some routes can do with special conductors accompanying drivers, especially, at night when the various clubs/bars spew their drunken hordes out on to the streets for the police and transport infrastructure to deal with.  Ofcourse, we're all paying for it . . . 

[TELENY]

Oh, where are my manners !! 

Welcome to the UK and Manchester, hashim !! 

[worldcitizen]

cctv is a joke and is an illusion to make people feel safer

[TELENY]

CCTV represents an invasion of peoples privacy . . . (even if used in a public space).

The only way CCTV can be justified is if it helps to create a safer environment for people.  If it fails to do this, then CCTV is just a tool in the hands of Big Brother to pry on citizens.

A similar argument can be made for the governments ID Card scheme.  Does anybody think that the scheme will work?

What about the experience of those countries that (currently) have an ID Card scheme?

[peterw]

From experience during a past era I think ID cards would work and I have no objection to them. I carried an Identity Card through most of the second world war and my service identity when I was in the Royal Navy. Today, most people have a driving licence and a passport — both recognised as forms of identification — without complaining so why should they object to the proposed ID Cards? At the end of the day, all they have to do is carry it in their pockets, and if they’re not doing anything wrong they’ll nothing to fear.

[celeste]

i dont object to carrying an ID card, what worries me is if i forget, (going swimming someone could snatch it)  lose it, or for any reason dont happen to have it one me,its just another worry to have to think about

[peterw]

Same if you have a Passport or Driving Licence — and I bet you don’t even worry about them!

[celeste]

minimalism

[peterw]

There are several items I think an ID Card should contain, one a person’s blood group in case of accidents. Second, whether or not the holder in an organ donor. Third — my own because I might need it — whether or not the holder would prefer or disapprove of the administering of any drugs or treatment to save his/her life. It’s probably a seemingly selfish attitude but for personal reasons I don’t want any.

[village_idiot]

I dont want to carry an ID card as half the child [censored] that are roaming sale and sydney might want to claim my wealth
I sure had a lot of fun when i was a kid
Good health to yas all
Village _idiot

[celeste]

village - of course you could have all the info. on one mighty tattoo on your back -

[TELENY]

The climate brought about by The War on Terror would, probably, persuade those people that are undecided to give the ID scheme the benefit of the doubt.  However, what is the point of having seperate passports, driving licence and an ID card scheme?

Can't we have an all-in-one scheme?!

It'll be cheaper and more effective!

What will be the safeguards against its misuse by the state?  Believe me, the state will try to misuse it . . . as sure as night follows day that the people who sold you the war in Iraq have their own ideas for the ID card scheme - and it ain't got anything to do with our security!

What is the experience in countries that have an ID card scheme?

[peterw]

No idea and not really bothered. Different people, different ideas an views — just like here really, but WE’RE BRITISH!