Camera Program Helps Police Catch Criminals

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Police investigators’ use of technology in efforts to catch criminals is rapidly increasing.

Web sites like YouTube, Facebook and MySpace can provide clues or tips that police need—whether it concerns prostitution, vandalism or assault.

The East Main Street Camera Program has its own channel on YouTube.

A featured video shows an assault in progress and police responding within two minutes.

There is a police substation nearby, but the actual camera is on a building at East Main and Gilbert.

Just east of the building, another camera shows suspected prostitution and drug use at East Main and Ohio near Jordan Market.

“It’s prostitutes all over,“ said Mohammed Rawahneh, of Jordan Market. “They go to the cars and ask for something and stop at the traffic light and so some women and some guys.“

Rawahneh said he thinks outsiders are coming into the neighborhood and that residents are not involved in any criminal activity.

“I think (the cameras are) very good and it’s helpful,“ he said. “Plus, it’s saving the city. Instead of having police all over, they have cameras.“

In all, there are six cameras along East Main Street aimed at catching criminals in the act.

Watch the surveillance video here.