Different opinions are to be heard Wednesday about Councilor Melissa De Genova’s proposal to install surveillance cameras in Vancouver.
I hope we will make the city safer for everyone and especially for the vulnerable and marginalized
argues Councilor De Genova.
These cameras could help police solve crimes, the adviser believes, because the recordings could be viewed to identify suspects.
” I am told that people do not feel safe due to the drastic increase in violent crime in recent years. »
Councilor De Genova believes that installing cameras would better protect vulnerable populations.
Photo: Shutterstock/Adam Melnyk
A controversial idea
Vancouver councilor Christine Boyle says installing cameras could further stigmatize vulnerable people.
Significant concerns have been raised about how surveillance cameras further criminalize poverty and people who already experience multiple forms of marginalization
she says.
Others cite concerns about people’s privacy. They fear that cameras installed with the goal of reducing crime are more of an invasion of residents’ privacy.
This implies that we can sacrifice our right to privacy for the benefit of public safety.
says Bryan Short, an activist with the organization Open Media digital rights.
Surveillance does not have the same impact on everyone, adds another activist.
It has a disproportionate impact on marginalized groups, especially black people and indigenous people
says Daniella Barreto, of Amnesty International.
Facial recognition is regularly used without the knowledge of citizens.
Photo: iStock
Facial recognition
While the motion doesn’t suggest considering facial recognition technology, Daniella Barreto points out that several other cities have gone a step further to use programs that recognize criminals to protect vulnerable people from harm.
It is known that facial recognition is not good at identifying black people and other marginalized people
she notes.
According to Daniella Barreto, the very existence of video recordings may pose several challenges.
” When you add [aux problèmes de reconnaissance] police misidentity, racial profiling and systemic racism within police forces, all of these public recordings will only amplify these issues. »
Use of cameras
Councilor De Genova explains that surveillance cameras are used a few times at major events in Vancouver and were used during the 2010 Olympics.
Police could be more effective if they didn’t have to ask private business owners if they have tapes and had their own surveillance cameras
believes the adviser.
The motion cites examples of other major cities, such as London and New York, which use closed circuit cameras.
The motion also points out that people constantly use their cell phones to film in public places and that it is not illegal.
If more surveillance means more security, we might take it for granted that London is one of the safest cities in the world, but it isn’t.
replies Daniella Barretto.
If the City of Vancouver passes the motion, it will then work with the Vancouver Police to determine where to install cameras. These would not be monitored live, can we read in the motion presented by the adviser.
The City would also work with the Privacy Commissioner to study the impact of surveillance cameras on privacy and with homeowners, businesses and residents to explain the merit of cameras in deterring crime and solving criminal incidents.
Based on information from broadcasts The Early Edition and On the Coast
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca