The police department is worth a crap regardless of how weak the leadership may be. Like most departments they are reactive not proactive. Look at the number of robberies in LR, how many of them are caught in the act? True enough if the chief is replaced their morale will increase but this type crime will continue. The cameras will not stop crime, period! The cameras will make capture and prosecution much easier and that is very important! I don't agree in forcing store owners to purchase cameras when the economy is in the tank and money it tight. Possibly the city should make a recommendation on a particular camera system and fund 50% of the cost. Some say the city doesn't have the money...they have the money to do other things they want so I'm sure they could find a way to fund this too. What about the tax increase a few years back, public safety money? Just a suggestion. Whitfield is correct in saying without the cameras they have to start from scratch on an investigation and hope someone will come forward with information. Some of those crimes are never solved. That makes it even tougher on the victims families. Good luck PB.

This is typical government thinking. If the business owners dont comply with the ordinance, if passed, then they will be guilty of a crime. What if the business can not afford to install cameras? If the justice system would punish criminals accordingly, crime would decrease.

I want one of you that always points out how bad the police force is in Pine Bluff to point out a city where there is no crime. I bet big money you can't find one. I'd say that makes Pine Bluffs finest about as good as any of the rest of them. Then think about this. If one of your families were to get shot in one the first thing you would want to know is where are the cameras. There has been crime with the beginning of man. I don't think it will stop till the end of man. I put them in. They may not bring anyone back but they may keep a few from going. They stick out better if you got a good picture to go by. Anyone that kills just to rob a store will more than likely do it again.

If Pine Bluff had a police department worth a crap, there would be less crime. Hopefully now that Redus is going to be out, the new mayor will send his girlfriend the chief of police packing as well.

Cameras aren't going to detour a criminal hell bent on robbing or killing. It's only going to be evidence after a soul is gone. If the city wants cameras at stores then they should put them on a utility pole outside the store and have a desk officer monitor them. The business owners should not be forced to buy cameras.

Does anyone proof these stories before posting them?