Officials would have a say in the policies that govern surveillance tools and would get annual reports on them – including what data was shared, with whom, where surveillance happened, whether complaints resulted, and information about costs and data breaches.

The global market for city surveillance equipment surpassed $3 billion in 2017, and it’s expected to grow at an average annual rate of 14.6 percent from 2016 to 2021, according to a report from IHS Markit.

In February, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a plan to upgrade security cameras and add new ones at Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) stations and bus turnarounds, which would be funded by a fee hike for Uber and Lyft ride-sharing services.

A few months ago, cities around the world anxiously awaited for the results of the Global Cities Index, which identifies the world’s top 125 cities on the basis of their ability to attract and retain global capital, people and ideas, as well as sustain that performance in the long term.

Safe City initiatives typically start with the integration of security video. In most cases the cameras are operated by the police department or other local government entities such as Departments of Transportation, or Emergency Operations Centers.

Unintentional injuries, especially car crashes or falls, are much more common in rural areas than cities, giving the metropolises a statistical edge when it comes to safety.

The metal shutters or screens protect businesses from theft, say local business owners, but the Miami City Commissioner says they're an eyesore that deter pedestrian traffic.

Four of the top 10 most dangerous neighborhoods are located in Detroit, where there is a high number of vacant residences and empty lots.