(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in the United States have no reservations regarding the use of video cameras in public places as a way to improve safety, according to a poll by TNS released by the Washington Post and ABC News. 71 per cent of respondents support having public surveillance cameras, while 25 per cent do not.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security can distribute grant funds to municipalities in order to install surveillance equipment. Last month, Democratic Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman discussed the situation, saying, "The Brits have got something smart going in England, and it was part of why I believe they were able to so quickly apprehend suspects in terrorist acts. (...) They have cameras all over London and other of their major cities."

Earlier this year, Pittsburgh unveiled a $3.4 million U.S. plan to install 30 remotely-controlled cameras in and around the city. The San Jose Redevelopment Agency recently paid $97,000 U.S. to install video surveillance equipment in the city's downtown area. New York City is adding 100 new cameras this year, and plans to have about 3,000 public and private cameras operating by 2010.

On Aug. 1, John Lewin, of the Chicago Police, defended the use of video surveillance, declaring, "We see a reduction in crime in the areas around the cameras. It may not be feasible to put a police officer on every corner but some day it might be possible to put a camera on every corner."

Polling Data

Some people support the use of surveillance cameras in public places as a way to help solve crimes. Others say these cameras go too far as a government intrusion on personal privacy. What's your opinion—do you support or oppose the increased use of surveillance cameras in public places?

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