Security firm invades privacy in Yellowknife
Mike Bryant
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (May 07/01) - With four video cameras that sweep several blocks of downtown, Dave Beckwith can watch the comings and goings of Yellowknifers from the comfort of his office.
"We're trying to bring big brother to Yellowknife," Beckwith said with a reference to the dark force in "1984," George Orwell's classic study of urban paranoia.
The owner of Centurion Security Services, recently installed the cameras at 50th Street and Franklin Avenue.
He said he is aware of the potential controversy, but argues that crime in the city's downtown core makes the cameras essential.
"A lot of people are calling us rats and narcs, but if you have nothing to hide you should feel relieved," Beckwith said. "They're there to protect businesses and the individual."
Beckwith hopes to have 20 cameras installed throughout downtown by the end of the summer. The cameras will also be fitted with audio monitoring devices capable of capturing the voices of persons walking beneath them.
The project is perfectly legal providing that the building owners consent to installing the cameras, he said.
Beckwith is also looking for approval from the RCMP and municipal law enforcement officers who could use the cameras to catch thieves and vandals.
"If we had the cameras up last Wednesday, we would've caught the six girls that were beating up another girl in front of the Gold Range," Beckwith said.
The City of Yellowknife is investigating the legalities of Centurion Securities' plans for more cameras.
Mayor Gord van Tighem said the city has also considered installing cameras, but concluded the move would likely make local residents a little wary. He found it strange that a private company would take such an initiative.
"Normally, someone would want to form an association with municipal enforcement or a community association, but if he's doing it on his own it's likely to raise more suspicion than support," van Tighem said.
A person passing by, upon learning she was under surveillance, expressed concern.
"It's questionable," said Sandy Penkala. "I understand the reason for it, but on the other hand people should be made aware of it."
Mel Lafferty noted that Yellowknife is still a relatively small town, and felt the security cameras are excessive.
"They do a lot of that down south, but I don't see any real need for it in a town this size," Lafferty said.
