Criticism is pouring in over the decision by Dave Beckwith to install four video cameras that sweep several blocks of the downtown core. The owner of Centurion Security Services argues that the crime in the city's downtown core begs for attention.
Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (May 09/01) - New surveillance cameras monitoring one of Yellowknife's busiest intersections drew fire from city councillors who want the cameras to go, but not necessarily forever.
| Put it in writing A representative from Centurion Security asked Crimestoppers to "come and take a look" at the cameras that the company has set up in the city centre. Tim Griffin, who says he does, "an awful lot of volunteer work," for Centurion, appeared at the Crimestoppers annual general meeting Monday. "Help us out," Griffin urged the Crimestoppers board, adding that with their assistance they could make Centurion's scheme work. Referring to public criticisms over the cameras Centurion has set up downtown, Griffin told the board that none of the footage captured on the cameras would ever be seen by anybody unless police requested it. Crimestoppers president Bob Patterson told Griffin that, "as a board, we haven't taken a position," on the cameras. Griffin also asked for the board's permission to place Crimestoppers bumper stickers on Centurion's vehicles. The board asked him to put the requests in writing. Crimestoppers RCMP co-ordinator Phil Johnson said he was "quite surprised" to see Griffin in attendance. "I sense that they're trying to get some allies."
Johnson added that if Centurion put their requests in writing, the Crimestopers board would consider them at a future meeting.
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"These guys should pack their cameras ... and go away," said Coun. Kevin O'Reilly during Monday afternoon's priorities, policies and budget committee meeting.
Coun. Dave Ramsay said he disapproved of Centurion's lack of public consultation, but agreed with the concept.
"These cameras could help," said Ramsay.
"There is a lot of crime happening there (corner of Franklin Avenue and 54 Street)," he said.
Dave Beckwith, owner of the security company, said council "is stupid" for not embracing his cameras.
"Especially because it's free," said Beckwith.
Beckwith said the city wouldn't have to spend a penny on his "City Watch." He said his company would foot the bill the first year and the following years it would seek funding from crime prevention grants.
"I'm not going to let it go," said Beckwith.
Wallace Finlayson, owner of the Sutherland Drugs building, said he allowed Beckwith's camera to trigger public debate.
"The idea was to see what citizens think," said Finlayson.
"I have feelings on both sides," he said.
Finlayson said he expected more of a public outcry. Beckwith said he plans to keep the cameras up for a month.
The city committee recommended Mayor Gord Van Tighem write a letter to the security company indicating the city is not interested in surveillance cameras at this point in time.
Council cannot legally ban a private firm's use of surveillance cameras.
