A rchive Date
[ 17-02-2002 ]
Category
[ International Relations ]
sub-Categoy
[ Canada ]
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[http://cbc.ca/cgi-bin/templates/view.cgi?/news/2002/02/16/cameras_020216
Public cameras worry privacy watchdog
Last Updated Sun Feb 17 00:16:50 2002
HAMILTON - Federal Privacy Commissioner George Radwanski is urging Canadians to oppose a campaign to install video surveillance equipment on the streets of more cities.
Many police forces like the idea of having cameras perched on street lamps or buildings to help them spot crimes being committed, or to catch suspects on the loose. The RCMP already use electronic surveillance in downtown Kelowna, B.C., and there is talk of setting up cameras in communities from Whitehorse to Toronto.
Canada's privacy commissioner has begun travelling across the country, warning people about what they may be losing if cameras are put in place. "If we cannot walk about the streets of our cities, going about our law-abiding business, without being under the constant, systematic observation through video surveillance cameras by agents of the state, we are not truly free," Radwanski says.
People in an Ontario city that's considering cameras, Hamilton, appear divided over the idea. "I think it's a good proposal," says one man. "The crime rate is a little higher in the downtown Hamilton area.
"I understand putting cameras in private places," says a woman. "But I think it's crossing the line once you're installing cameras on public streets, and watching innocent people doing their everyday activities."
Even though many police officers like the cameras, the equipment doesn't deter crime, the commissioner argues. Citing statistics from Britain, he says the crime rate in London has gone up despite the installation of thousands of cameras on streets and in subways.
"The problem is, it's a fake solution," according to Radwanski. "Most of the crime occurs at night. Streets are dark. The chances of those cameras even getting a good enough image to produce a positive identification aren't huge."
Under current law, municipalities decide for themselves if they want to install cameras. Radwanski thinks there should be a national policy in place, but first he must convince MPs about the danger that sweeping use of electronic surveillance poses.
Written by CBC News Online staff
 World Fact Book (CIA)]
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