Caught on camera
There are a few local parks that are known places where lewd behavior takes place. The behavior mostly includes illegal sexual acts such as indecent exposure and lewd conduct, ie homosexual activity. More than one cyclist has been approached or has witnessed this activity at Hamilton Creek, but it's a problem at a couple more too.
The Tennessean has an article in today's paper about this story.
Needless to say when the general public knows that type of behavior goes on they are less likely to visit the park. They damn sure aren't about to take their kids and risk having them being approached. Don't snicker because it has already happened countless times. Metro Police has conducted several stings over the last couple of years, and at one rounded up over 100 who were breaking the law.
In steps the Metro Council with the idea to install cameras at a few of the parks to help with surveillance and combat the problem. Of course this got the attention of the local ACLU office who is concerned about privacy issues and feel it's not the best policy. The best policy is unaffordable, which is cops on premise at all times to arrest those breaking the law. I'm not sure what would be the next best, but if it's affordable then cameras sure wouldn't hurt.
One thing is certain, something has to be done. Personally, I don't care if I'm on camera while visiting a retail outlet, city park or city building. If I'm doing right and abiding by the law then why would I be concerned? I do agree that audio surveillance is taking it too far. Conversations should absolutely be private, but our conduct out in public should be able to withstand minimal scrutiny.
At least Metro Council is making attempts to address the problem, but wouldn't it be nice if the ACLU provided some ideas instead of road blocks? Maybe they should try and go mountain biking at Hamilton Creek a few times and see what happens. First hand experience with a problem has a way of affecting change.
The Tennessean has an article in today's paper about this story.
Needless to say when the general public knows that type of behavior goes on they are less likely to visit the park. They damn sure aren't about to take their kids and risk having them being approached. Don't snicker because it has already happened countless times. Metro Police has conducted several stings over the last couple of years, and at one rounded up over 100 who were breaking the law.
In steps the Metro Council with the idea to install cameras at a few of the parks to help with surveillance and combat the problem. Of course this got the attention of the local ACLU office who is concerned about privacy issues and feel it's not the best policy. The best policy is unaffordable, which is cops on premise at all times to arrest those breaking the law. I'm not sure what would be the next best, but if it's affordable then cameras sure wouldn't hurt.
One thing is certain, something has to be done. Personally, I don't care if I'm on camera while visiting a retail outlet, city park or city building. If I'm doing right and abiding by the law then why would I be concerned? I do agree that audio surveillance is taking it too far. Conversations should absolutely be private, but our conduct out in public should be able to withstand minimal scrutiny.
At least Metro Council is making attempts to address the problem, but wouldn't it be nice if the ACLU provided some ideas instead of road blocks? Maybe they should try and go mountain biking at Hamilton Creek a few times and see what happens. First hand experience with a problem has a way of affecting change.
posted by NashvilleCyclist.com at 1/12/2006 08:04:00 AM
4 Comments:
cameras would hopefully cut down the car breakin incidents, something I'm all for.
Yes you're right I forgot to mention that. Breakins have been a problem at Hamilton Creek too.
As usual, the ACLU is looking to speak out for law breakers and make law abiding citizens suffer in the process.
Honestly, I'm surprised the stings by local law enfocement did not do more good. I am a cyclist and prosecutor in Montgomery Co. We were having similar problems with Rotary Park. After a few stings by the local Sheriff's office, most of the "lewd conduct" has stopped. Good luck at Hamilton.
Chris
I know as an avid visitor of Hamilton Creek, I'm tired of the drive thrus by starring males and the parking of blacked-out vans and truck toppers. I can even drive there after work and quickly change into gear w/o feeling violated. Not to mention don't try to use the porto-johns b/c holes have been cut in every place that you wouldn't want!
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