New Haven Surveillance Cameras Deplored

New Haven's decision to install 21 surveillance camera, with another 30 in the offing, has been criticized by the ACLU of Connecticut as jeopardizing privacy rights and ineffective in combatting crime.

"A program like this is akin to bringing Big Brother to New Haven," said David McGuire, staff attorney for ACLU-CT. "As a citizen living in a free society, there is a reasonable expectation that you can be present in public spaces without government tracking and surveillance."

Criminals, McGuire said, observe where cameras are, and commit crimes elsewhere, he said.

City officials said the cameras, funded by a federal grant, are being installed in areas hard hit by shootings. The Associated Press reported that there have been 18 killings in New Haven thus far in 2011, compared with 24 in 2010, 13 in 2009 and 23 in 2008. The AP quoted Chief Frank Limon as saying, "Bad guys beware we are watching. In order to effectively fight crime, we must utilize all resources available to the department. Installing public safety cameras make sense and will serve as an additional tool in our overall crime-fighting strategy."