The Rhino and Privacy

There's a new weapon to fight crime in Milwaukee.

From WITI:

A new tool is about to hit the streets of Milwaukee to fight crime. The unique vehicle is being unveiled today, and FOX6 got a sneak peak at the new tech.

A new armored vehicle is the latest tool in law enforcement's arsenal. It's a truck called Rhino, named for its reinforced frame donated by a security firm.

Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan says it's the product of Operation Impact, a privately funded initiative allowing additional police presence in some south side neighborhoods.

Four cameras are installed on the exterior of the trunk to monitor the area it's parked in, and an officer doesn't need to be inside to watch the video. He or she can access the surveillance from an outside computer through a remote connection.

Donovan says the vehicle won't just catch crimes in progress, but will stop them before they happen in areas like 20th and Scott. While some welcome the additional presence others aren't sure.

As for privacy issues Donovan says Rhino's natural habitat is focused on the city streets and public areas.

On the privacy front the ACLU of Wisconsin says it's concerned about what safeguards will be in place to prevent cameras from looking into private spaces.

In my home, when I'm concerned about privacy, I shut the shades and blinds. I take simple steps to protect my family.

I suppose the usual lib suspects will demand that taxpayers outfit low-income households with blinds.

Rather than focusing on the crime-stopping potential of the Rhino, we should object to it possibly eroding privacy and prying into private spaces?

I don't think so.