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When Big Brother Isn't Big Brothering

07/07/2026

The Buffalo Police cameras look like they were right there!

Here's a fair question. How did the July 4 E. Delavan Street takeover happen over the course of so many hours under the nose of not one but TWO police cameras covering that exact swath of blocks?

Was the camera room staffed that night? I ask this as a technocrat who is always excited when technology can help to rescue victims and solve crimes (of course subjecting myself to the wrath of those who oppose technology). But that ideal seems to have failed on the night of July 4 and morning of July 5.

If police were anticipating a promoter's street party, wouldn't they have used the cameras which were fortunate enough to exist at the place it was precisely scheduled to take place, to do something more proactive? The whole thing has a lot more reactive feel to it than these cameras should have allowed for. (scratching head, seriously).

See comments for updated understanding and insights to this post.

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  By BuffScan for BuffScan.

buffalopolice controversy crisis

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BuffScan

For those wondering, the accumulated responses in the Reddit r/buffalo subreddit to explain why the cameras might not have been effective point to lack of resources to respond, seeing the swell of people notwithstanding. And, at least one response from someone who once worked as an IT contractor for the city suggesting that it's very possible the cameras weren't working.

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BuffScan

-- I think it's important to add that BuffScan anticipated these sorts of responses. However, what I am looking for is an explanation as to why they were not utilized in the prevention stage, before things got genuinely out of control. BPD says they were aware that the event was going to happen, and knew where, but -- couldn't come up with the creativity to use the cameras proactively then? For example, starting ticketing the first scofflaws and parking infractions as things began. Not being an expert of in their shoes of course I cannot say how exactly they would do that, but specifically as a regular person, I cannot help but wonder.

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