BIG BROTHER WATCHES OVER KERRY PARK

If you're not doing anything wrong, there's nothing to fear from
police surveillance cameras.

That was the general reaction of a sample of people, mostly tourists,
in Kerry Park Wednesday evening.

"I don't have anything to hide," said Christoff Gasser, from
Switzerland, when told it wasn't only his daughter videotaping him
sitting on the Ogopogo statue.

Kelowna RCMP, using equipment loaned as part of a demonstration
project, mounted a video camera on pole in the middle of the downtown
park three weeks ago.

Already they've charged people with drug offences, damaging city
property and possession of stolen property.

"Everybody knows it's there," said Brian Johnson, pointing to the
camera.

While it has made a difference to the number of people openly dealing
drugs in the park, it hasn't stopped the trade.

"People just go elsewhere or are more discreet," he said. "It's still
happening."

Johnson said he hangs out in the park most days and isn't particularly
concerned about the camera.

"I ain't doing anything wrong," he noted.

While Florida resident Tony Decarlo, lining up for a Fintry Queen
ticket, wasn't upset about the camera, he did object to it being secret.

"They should let you know they're doing it so you can have some choice
in the matter," Decarlo said. "I think it's to their benefit to let
you know."

That kind of thinking may be why Const. Doug Brecknell issued a news
release Wednesday announcing that the camera has been up for three
weeks, runs videotape 24 hours a day and is monitored during peak times.

"This is to try to prevent crime, to detect crime and, hopefully,
increase the public perception of safety," he said.

Brecknell foresees the day when half a dozen cameras could be spread
around trouble spots such as near downtown night clubs.

One person could monitor all six and dispatch officers when problems
arise.