- LOS ANGELES (AP) - Police
fed up with trash-filled alleys have unveiled the first of 11 special motion-sensor
cameras they hope will deter illegal dumping and graffiti in southern Los
Angeles.
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- A power-pole mounted camera in Watts is designed to snap
a picture of - and audibly warn - anyone spotted loitering in a junk-filled
alley, police said Wednesday.
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- The steel-encased camera, designed to withstand a bullet,
plays a recorded warning that police hope will act as a deterrent: "Stop!
This is the LAPD," the recording says. "We have just taken your
photograph. We will use this photograph to prosecute you. Leave now."
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- Similar cameras are planned for other South Los Angeles
locations, some mounted near abandoned buildings to discourage squatters.
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- Legal experts say the pictures taken would be admissible
in court. Those caught 'tagging' or illegally dumping could be jailed for
six months and fined $1,000 per crime.
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- Motion-sensor cameras were previously installed in several
other Los Angeles neighborhoods.
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- http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/3804673p-4830091c.html
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