CANDID QUERY ON CAMERAS

Editor, The News:

Reporter Cheryl Wierda, in her Jan. 20 article ('Conroy argues Felger
arrest unlawful') writes that "(defence lawyer John) Conroy asked for
a stay of proceedings because surveillance video of the incident had
been destroyed, violating (Tim) Felger's right to disclosure of
evidence and a fair trial."

The story went on to say, "Judge R.J. Lemisky denied the request,
noting the surveillance equipment is about 15 years old, and witnesses
gave evidence that the video quality was too poor.

"Conroy argued the court should make that assessment, not people
involved in the altercation."

With all the "isolated incidents" popping up literally from coast to
coast - the Vancouver six incident, the Stonechild inquiry in
Saskatoon, the Toronto six incident that resulted in 22 charges
against six members of the central drug squad and with Chief Fantino
claiming that his secret inquiry evidence indicates that "the system
is working" despite death threats to witnesses that are alleged to
have resulted in charges dropped against a dozen or so other drug
squad officers, including several in another Toronto drug squad - I
must commend lawyer Conroy for remaining focused, and pointing out
these simple facts.

I must also ask if the video in question is of such old technology and
poor quality, this can't be the first time anyone's noticed, so why is
it still being used?

Chris Bransfield

Barry's Bay, Ont.