Surveillance Video Helps Police

Technology has a come a long way in the past few years. We have many options as far as electronics are concerned, and we live in a society where surveillance cameras are watching our every move. It's created some paranoia, but surveillance can also be very helpful.

A fight broke out this past weekend at Woofers and Tweeters in Midland. The nightclub broke things up, but the fight didn't end there. It carried over to What-A-Burger on Midkiff Drive, and now two women have been charged with aggravated assault. But in this case...police didn't have to rely on witness statements. All they needed was the video surveillance.

Surveillance cameras are at random intersections and on the sides of buildings. Some are located inside, while others are located outside. You can't always see them, but they can always see you.

"Cameras are everywhere nowadays and they've become a lot more inexpensive. Homeowners are purchasing their own video surveillance equipment. Obviously businesses because they're trying to protect their business," Sgt. Alfredo Grimaldo, with the Midland Police Department, said.

Concerning the fight from over the weekend, it was all captured on camera and used to identify those involved.

"Within a matter of hours after [the fight], people were starting to get information and obviously it was very helpful. And the end result was that both subjects were identified and both will be arrested," Grimaldo said.

Surveillance images don't lie, and that's why videos can be very beneficial in a court of law. In fact, sometimes a person that's caught on camera will confess to a crime after seeing the footage.

"It's always been beneficial to us to have actual video footage, not only to identify the actor, but to also make a very good solid case. People do not fight those cases when they were caught on film. There's just no point," Grimaldo said.

He said he strongly encourages all businesses to use surveillance equipment because it could be helpful in the long run. And think twice before committing a crime, because even though you may think you're alone...someone might be watching.