(MADISON) In downtown Madison, more than 30 surveillance cameras are scheduled to be installed and tested soon as a way to crack down on crime. But there are already mixed feelings on the camerasâ?? use and effectiveness.
Nearly $390,000 has been spent on the venture, which will set up a video monitoring system along State Street, University Avenue, and other areas police want to watch closely. Backers, like UW-Madison sophomore Becky Layman, say the cameras provide them and others with some peace of mind. UW grad student Nathan Vernau says heâ??s not entirely sure how effective the cameras will be, but says they can help police investigate incidents like the recent disappearance and murder of a UW coed and the shooting death of a Minnesota man during a fight on State Street.