Security vs. Privacy

Some people say we are at war. Others claim we are dealing with a world-wide criminal element. Whatever position you choose, it is undeniable that, post 9/11, we live in very paranoid times. This paranoia has led to an explosion of surveillance technology. Next time you are on any city street stop and look around. You are bound to spot a camera somewhere. You certainly should smile every time you step up to an ATM. The notion of privacy (at least in public places) is withering away. The big question is: are we truly safer?

The news clipping below is from one of the many stories about the now infamous 7/11 London Subway bombings. London has the world’s highest concentration of surveillance cameras. Experts estimate that the average Londoner is captured on camera approximately 350 times a day. It was that vast camera network that allowed authorities to trace the bombers movements from their entry into the subway backward to their safe-houses. This led to their rapid apprehension.

While the cameras didn’t prevent this bombing it certainly sent the signal to other would-be terrorists that they are being watched.

So yes, security cameras can help to catch the criminals after the fact, but how far should we go: Cameras in public bathrooms? Before you scream NO, what about bathrooms in airports?

These are some of the issues we will be discussing in our Blogs on the LOOK site, so we encourage you to weigh in with your point of view.

Police release image of bombers

(CNN) -- Police have released the first image of all four London bombers together, captured on CCTV as they set out on their mission, in a bid to find out more about their final movements.

The image shows the men, carrying rucksacks, at Luton station at approximately 7.20 a.m. on July 7, the morning of the attacks which killed at least 55 and injured 700 more.

Police also confirmed Saturday the identities of two suspected bombers.

Mohammed Sidique Khan, 30, is believed responsible for the attack at the Edgware Road train station, and Germaine Lindsay, 19, is believed to be responsible for the bombing of the train between King's Cross and Russell Square stations.

Officials familiar with the investigation had already confirmed the identities, which have been widely reported in the media.

Scotland Yard previously named the other two bombers: Hasib Hussain, 18, believed to be responsible for the bus bombing in Tavistock Square, and Shahzad Tanweer, 22, believed to be responsible for the bombing at Aldgate Station.

From Luton, the men traveled together by Thameslink train to King's Cross in London.

District Assistant Commissioner, Peter Clarke, head of the anti terrorist unit, appealed for anyone who had information about the men to call the police.

The death toll in the bombings rose to 55 on Saturday after a victim died in Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, authorities said.