Security Cameras and Crime

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Like nearly everyone else, I'm getting fed up with the recent rash of muggings/beatings and trying to think of things we can do as a community to reverse the trend (short of roving bands of citizens armed with pitchfolks).

"Big brother" issues aside, cameras seem like a relatively cheap way to put more information in the hands of the law-abiding citizens and could also help provide more info for the cops in cases where the victim is hit from behind or simply can't recall enough specific details about their attacker.

Does anyone know the status of the various security cameras mounted on buildings in the neighborhood? I know there are a few on the larger buildings on Sterling near Underhill or Butler. At least one looks like a recent installation (with night vision/infrared capability).

Anyone have any experience with some of these smaller wireless cameras that I see sold from time to time for less than $100? I guess they are essentially glorified web-cams/baby-monitors, but supposedly they're effective out to about a 30-40' range at night. The video can be captured locally on a hard drive and can also be streamed over the internet (although I'm not sure how useful/relevant the latter option would be).

I'm mostly just thinking outloud on the subject - does anyone think that having a bunch of these cameras on our streets would make a difference? Just to be clear, I'm not suggesting a city-run operation...just private homeowners/renters pointing a camera towards the street and turning in any footage that might help victims of a crime.

Here are a few examples of the products...obviously I have no affiliation with any of these:
http://www.buy.com/prod/q-see-qswoc2r-2-4-ghz-wireless-camera-system-2-x-camera-receiver/q/loc/101/204849420.html
http://www.smarthome.com/7544n.html
http://www.starsurplus.com/viewitem.lasso?i=NIGHT-WIRELESS
http://www.buy.com/prod/q-see-cmos-night-vision-dome-color-camera/q/loc/101/205584382.html