By: Matthew Marcone
Mackenzie County’s administration has been asked to gather information and cost estimates to install video surveillance cameras, which was presented at a regular council meeting on November 7, 2017.
Doug Munn, Director of Community Services, said that ten cameras could be installed for $53,000 but hat the cost can vary depending on intention, location, power sources and storage requirements.
“It is recommended that if Council would like to proceed with video surveillance then we should identify what areas they would like to monitor and administration will get a price for those specific locations,” said Munn.
An article by Ron Dyck examined the pros and cons of video surveillance in public places, in which he concluded that strategic camera installations make sense.
“The advantages of installing public surveillance cameras outweigh the disadvantages greatly,” said Dyck. “According to Law Enforcement, there were an estimated 1,165,383 violent crimes [and] 8,277,829 property crimes reported in 2014, and the crime rate has been rising in recent years. Imagine how bad the situation would be if there were no public security cameras. There is not much about the concern of privacy violation when you behave yourself in public places. Security in public places should always be put on the top of priority. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about.”
Dyck added that there are always crimes which cannot not deterred by surveillance cameras and that abusing them would certainly violate privacy and personal rights.
“Therefore, how to balance public safety and personal privacy needs to be considered,” said Dyck.
Dyck highlighted five pros and four cons regarding public video surveillance.
“The main benefit of surveillance cameras in public spaces is also the increase of public safety,” said Dyck. “Cameras can be used as a way to keep an eye out for any crimes that are being committed. Additionally, crimes can be deterred before they even begin in some cases. If a suspicious individual or individuals or items are seen in an area, the appropriate authorities can be contacted to move into the area before any damage is done or any crime is committed. Additionally, any people in the area can be cleared as a precaution. Since public safety is guaranteed, people’s fear of crime can also be reduced, while their sense of security is created.”
He added that crime incidents in public areas can drop by 20 per cent after cameras are put in place and that they can help in catching criminals.
“Facial recognition software has improved greatly over the years, which means that if a person is caught on camera committing a crime, the chances of them being caught is much higher,” said Dyck. “Posters can be created and the images can be aired on network television to help spread the word about the criminal. Without the footage from the CCTV camera, it can be extremely difficult to gain a quality description of the person who committed the crime, even if there were eye witnesses.”
“Additionally, in some cases the video surveillance footage can also help prove someone’s innocence if they have been accused of a crime that they did not commit,” said Dyck.
Dyck final point in the “pro” column involved using cameras as a deterrent to motorists speeding through a red light.
“And also, relevant authorities can monitor road conditions with surveillance cameras,” said Dyck. “So they can make real-time traffic reports, helping people choose the right time and road when going out.”
The first point against video surveillance cameras involved the invasion of privacy concern.
“When you are walking down the street, driving in your car, or hanging out with boyfriends and girlfriends, you will be monitored with cameras placed in public,” said Dyck. “This creates a complete picture of the private life of an individual. We all have private life, which doesn’t want others or the government to know.”
He added that surveillance systems can be easily abused and that their effectiveness has also been challenged by other groups.
“One example of how a camera may be misused is that, information gathered by law enforcement can be used as a form of blackmail,” said Dyck. “Another form of abuse is voyeurism. Spying on women using surveillance cameras is quite common in areas where these cameras have been set up. This can become quite an issue that needs to be dealt with.”
Deputy Reeve Lisa Wardley moved that the surveillance camera estimate be tabled for information.