San Jose police can tap into volunteer residents' cameras under newly-approved program

[Xithras]

2. I don't see any problems with this.

After several vandalism and break-in attempts, I installed a number of HD video cameras around my house last spring. Because one of my cameras captures both the sidewalk and the street in front of my home, something like this is theoretically possible. If the police wanted to review the footage from one of my cameras to help investigate a crime in my neighborhood, I don't think I'd have a problem giving it to them.

Fundamentally, three things make this OK. First, you have to opt-in to the program. Second, the police can't access your cameras in real time, so you don't have to worry about Big Brother watching you through your own cameras. Third, even if you opt-in, you still have the option of declining the requests when they do come in. If you think the police are being abusive, you can cut them off at any time.