Surveillance Nation? 70% Favor Cameras in Public Places

The Boston bombings have garnered public support for surveillance cameras.

Following law enforcement's successful use ofsecuritycameras to identify the marathon bombers, Americans strongly support their use in public areas and feel they help curb crime.

GOP pollster Scott Rasmussen's latest poll finds 70 percent of American adults approve of the use of cameras. Less than 20 percent (18) oppose the eyes of Big Brother. Eleven percent aren't sure what to think.

When it comes to safety, 55 percent of voters surveyed believe public areas are safer when surveillance and security cameras are implemented. Twenty-seven percent disagree and 18 percent are undecided. Similarly, 52 percent of respondents said they believe surveillance and security cameras reduce crime. Not so fast say 28 percent, while 20 percent aren't sure.

A whopping 87 percent of Americans think surveillance cameras are at least somewhat important to aid law enforcement officials in solving crimes, including 58 percent who think they are very important.

The national survey of 1,000 American adults was conducted April 22-23.