Originally Posted by: Raskolnikov...the problem is that you're on OTHER cameras while you're not wearing the mask and you're just as busted just as soon as the police match your clothing to the dude in the ski mask.

From what ive read,it seems these cameras are in statistical 'hot spots'.They arn't exactly in every nook and cranny...yet.

...And the net effect is lower crime rates in the city without violating anybody's privacy as they are watching PUBLIC areas.

The net effect looks great on paper.Only those 'hot spots' are somewhat safer.

...Neither do well-lit areas nor most crowds, but both somehow manage to discourage attacks.

How much would you bank on such things to keep you safe from threats?

So we should steer away from doing things that make potential criminals say "ahh, screw it" because if we feel safer by virtue of being safer, then we're not as safe as we were when crime rates were higher?

Cameras monitoring statistically high crime areas are fine.Every little bit helps(those areas).It just simply isn't good enough to walk around unaware and ignorant of potential attacks,even if they are 'reduced'.