Chicago officials defend cameras after ACLU report

By SOPHIA TAREEN Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago's emergency management officials have defended the city's extensive camera network, saying they help police to solve crimes and save taxpayer money.

The comments from Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications follow a report released by the American Civil Liberties Union Tuesday that blasted the cameras, citing privacy concerns, possible First Amendment issues and a lack of regulation.

Jose Santiago is the executive director of the OEMC. He says the cameras operate in a public way and aren't monitored 24 hours a day unless there's an ongoing police investigation.

He says the cameras have helped the Chicago Police Department solve more than 4,500 crimes since 2006 and prevented countless other crimes.

The ACLU has asked for a moratorium on expanding the camera network, saying a full review is needed.