The stepped up police work in Camden, including not just additional officers, but virtually unprecedented levels of visual surveillance, continues to spark national controversy. Vice Media, the hot news program on HBO aimed at young adult viewers, in its final program of the season June 13th, used Camden’s system as a warning for possible loss of civil liberties to come as such systems gain traction elsewhere.

Governor Christie has staked his reputation on the reorganization of Camden’s police department, making no apologies for a system he claims should serve as a national model.

Now WHYY’s Steve Ercolani reports that Camden’s sophisticated surveillance system has been welcomed by Camden residents as they have become active users under a program dubbed “iCan.”

The NAACP’s Kelley Francis, a longtime critic of Camden’s policing, who actively opposed the reorganization of the system, remains skeptical about its effectiveness. He points out that the murder rate remains way too high for a city of Camden’s size.
Police reorganization in Camden will continue to generate scrutiny, as well it should. It’s too early to judge the new system’s effectiveness. What’s clear, is that containment of crime without improving the economic prospects of city residents can only be a short-term strategy. The true test, in the months ahead, will be how many jobs the new 76ers practice facility and other development initiatives generate. Stay tuned.