[soared]

I’m not following the logic - are you implying police with guns are intimidating, which is the only effective way to stop crime? There are many countries that counter that multiple ways. Look at the militarized police in Central American countries that are 10x more intimidating but much less effective.

[pmorici]

I think they are saying that part of the calculation a person makes before committing a crime is what is the likelihood that I am caught or seriously injured. In a society that outlaws citizens having guns the chances of serious injury are much smaller than one where say 20% have a weapon. To the extent that CCTV Cameras increase the likelihood of being caught they have the same deterrent effect of knowing that there is a 20% chance your victim is able to defend themselves.