POLICE BOARD SUGGESTING CAMERAS TO CURB CRIME

In an effort to put a stop to criminal and anti-social behaviour
after-hours on Scott Street, the Police Services Board wants the town to
install a surveillance system in the downtown area.

In a report submitted to council Monday night, Sgt. Steve Loshaw noted the
proposal for the cameras was spurred on by the 200 Block Scott Street
Problem Solving Committee, which was struck in March, 2003 to address
growing concerns about property damage, violence, noise disturbances,
public intoxication and the use of illegal drugs on the 200 block of Scott
Street.

The solution they came up with is a video recording/monitoring system to
survey the street.

After reviewing a similar project in Sudbury, called the "Lion's Eye in the
Sky" project, it was determined having video surveillance would result in:

*a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour;

*savings in monetary losses (vandalism, etc.);

*enhanced public safety in relation to locating missing persons; and

*recording of police enforcement actions subject to public complaints.

The surveillance system, which would likely be located on the light
standard at Portage Avenue and Scott Street, would be accompanied by:

*posting of signs indicating surveillance;

*an automatic loop which erases previous recordings; and

*limited access to the system, for security purposes.

The Police Services Board also suggested the live monitor and tape recorder
be located at the OPP detachment.

The advantages of this would be:

*it allows monitoring of area by personnel (cadets, officers on modified
duties, and on-duty officers completing administrative duties);

*it allows monitoring and surveillance of the area when police are unable
to attend there due to other calls or duties; and

*video tape recordings of activity may be retrieved for investigative purposes.

The only downsides would be:

*required supervision to ensure monitoring does not replace police
presence; and

*cost associated with Internet and Shaw Cable subscriptions.

The cost of such a project would be $15,000, but the Police Services Board
suggested the town should find partners to share the cost.

Council had varying opinions of the proposal. Coun. Struchan Gilson noted
he understood the purpose of the proposal, but the idea of camera watching
the public reminded him of George Orwell's 1984.

"I find it really scary. I've had just about enough of surveillance
cameras," he remarked.

"I don't think it's a Big Brother situation," replied Coun. Rick
Wiedenhoeft. "It's a specific problem. And this is a specific solution."

He added only those who break the law should be concerned about the
surveillance system.

CAO Mark McCaig agreed the idea was put forth in response to a concern for
night-time safety on Scott Street, adding businesses aren't the only
victims on Scott Street. Residents live there, too.

"It's a big problem," he remarked.

Coun. Tannis Drysdale noted there may civil liberties issues to look at
before council agrees to any surveillance cameras being installed.

Council forwarded the recommendation from the Police Services Board to the
Administration and Finance Executive Committee. A recommendation will come
back to council at a future meeting.