New Yorkers to fight crime with video evidence

The New York Police Department instituted a new measure last week by which witnesses of crime can upload video or photographic evidence directly to its website. "Everybody has a camera in their telephones. When people can record an event taking place that helps us during an investigation, it's helpful," said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. "It's a fact of life."

The move will not only enable New Yorkers to participate in crime-fighting, but also to report misconduct by police officers. Videos such as the one depicting a police officer pushing a bicyclist to the ground in Times Square bring attention to police brutality. The video has already attracted over one million views on Youtube.

Said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, "it's appropriate for the police department to invite video reports of wrong doing both by ordinary people and police officers."