Security cameras: An invasion of privacy?

Date: 04/06/2005
Source: wkyc.com
Author: Ben Holbert

AKRON -- Some say police surveillance cameras in public places may be the wave of the future.

Sunday night, Akron police captured on videotape the arrest of a pro-football player who allegedly got out of hand after leaving a bar. The same cameras trained on Michael Doss just may be focused on you.

At happy hour in downtown Akron, while some unwind, others stroll down Main Street to see the first pitch of the Aeros game. But few realize, the glass eye is watching everything.

“A lot of bars are downtown where we have the cameras,” said Sergeant Dennis Woodall, Akron police department. “And it protects the general public, if we see something happening that shouldn’t be happening, we put officers in that area.”

It happened Sunday when shots rang out, allegedly fired by NFL star Michael Doss.

An elaborate computer system in the police communications room recorded a textbook arrest of the Colts defensive back.

“I think it is a good idea because if an incident does happen, it needs to be taken to court or whatever,” said Tricia Love, Canton resident. “You have the proof there without somebody being afraid to give information.”

For three years, security cameras have been in place and part of the police arsenal.

If the police make their presence known, you can deter a lot of things. Seven cameras are strategically placed to pan streets and zoom in tight. They have around the clock recording capabilities that store video for three months.

“I think they should let you know that they are up there,” said an Akron resident.

“I don’t think that it’s an invasion of privacy,” said Jinida Doba, Akron resident. “This is public space. You are gonna be watched by someone, somewhere!”

Security cameras in public places are said to be the wave of the future. And Joe Citizen isn’t the only one captured on candid camera.

“We are watching, and we are watching ourselves,” said Sergeant Woodall.

The mayor of New York City has proposed placing 400 surveillance cameras around Manhattan to fight crime and combat terrorism.

The ACLU argues the real purpose in its opinion, is to spy on people and gather evidence, after the fact.

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