The goal is to have police watch the cameras through screens in their cars or have private residents watch cameras from home, Wahlen said in his presentation.I took that to mean residents will be able to go online and watch the cameras - not a bad idea, actually. Why limit use of the cameras to police? If they're already online, let anyone take a look.
But, that's not what Wahlen meant. Here's an explanation from Sgt. Bernie Kupper, who responded to my email asking about private residents using the cameras:
I spoke with the Chief about the quote. He has no intent on providing the access to the general public. His point was that there will be key personnel outside of the department that may be given access to the camera system such as members of the Common Council. Alderpersons often call asking about crime in certain areas, so it would make sense to offer them the opportunity to view the camera coverage themselves. They are already privy to information necessary to handle complaints from constituents as well as information necessary to manage government that we don’t put out there in the public eye.
