How can I find out about street surveillance?

April 8, 2019 2:57 PM

I've been told it's different depending on the street.

I'm in NY and I think most blocks have street cameras. First: How do I find out if a particular street has them? and second- if they do how can I get a copy of a tape from a certain date?

posted by fantasticness to Law & Government (3 answers total)

You may want to check out the NYC Surveillance Camera Project:

Over the last five months, a small but dedicated group of New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) volunteers walked the streets of Manhattan in search of video surveillance cameras. This group sought out every camera, public or private, which records people in public space. Mostly by foot, but occasionally by car, they covered every block in the borough. From the records they made of all camera locations, the volunteers produced a comprehensive map of surveillance cameras in Manhattan.

Who's Watching? Video Camera Surveillance in NYC and the Need for Public Oversight (NYCLU, 2006)

To find out how to get a copy of a tape from a certain date, you can consult with an NYC attorney.
posted by Little Dawn at 3:23 PM on April 8, 2019 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: That's really cool! Unfortunately I'm more interested in Brooklyn though. I don't suppose there's anything similar there?
posted by fantasticness at 5:14 PM on April 8, 2019

I wasn't able to find anything specifically Brooklyn-related, but you could try to contact the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), because they may have referral ideas. Also, this might be helpful:

How to Obtain Video Evidence in a Car Accident (Avvo)

Video evidence from traffic cameras and New York store surveillance cameras can be used as car accident evidence that the other driver is liable for your accident injuries. Learn how you can obtain such video evidence to solidify your accident claim.

posted by Little Dawn at 6:58 PM on April 8, 2019