Surrey city councillor Linda Annis has introduced a proposal aimed at granting the local police force access to the city’s network of 500 traffic cameras. This initiative seeks to enhance the police’s ability to combat rising crime rates, particularly incidents of extortion and gang violence that have left many residents feeling insecure.
Annis expressed urgency regarding the proposal, stating, “This needs to happen immediately.” In an interview with 1130 NewsRadio, she highlighted the severity of extortion and gang-related crimes in Surrey, emphasizing the fear they instill in the community. “We need to make sure that the police have every tool possible to help them solve these crimes,” she added.
Currently, the legislation restricts the Surrey Police Service (SPS) from accessing footage from city CCTV cameras unless a formal request is submitted to City Hall. Annis argues that this delay hampers the police’s effectiveness, noting, “By the time the police can actually get the footage, there’s a huge disconnect. The information is useless in most cases because by that time, the people have fled the scene.”
Proposed Changes to Camera Monitoring
Annis advocates for a dedicated team to monitor the traffic cameras around the clock. She referenced other cities, such as Kelowna, that have successfully implemented similar public safety measures. “I think everywhere we go these days, people are on camera whether they like it or not. This problem is huge in Surrey, around extortion and around gang violence. We need to make sure that these cameras are used,” she stated.
In support of this initiative, SPS Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton confirmed that the police are in discussions with city officials to streamline access to the camera network. “We are working with the city to try to make the process of accessing the cameras more efficient while also addressing any privacy concerns,” Houghton said in a written statement. He also mentioned that the SPS plans to propose the monitoring of cameras overnight to enhance response capabilities for urgent requests.
Concerns Over Privacy and Civil Liberties
Despite the potential benefits, Annis’ proposal has drawn criticism from civil rights groups. Aislin Jackson of the BC Civil Liberties Association raised concerns about the implications for personal privacy. He cautioned that enhanced surveillance could endanger vulnerable individuals, particularly those experiencing intimate partner violence. “We really need to protect individuals’ privacy and, in particular, the privacy of information about individuals,” Jackson noted.
He expressed apprehension that the proposal may conflict with Canadian constitutional protections and charter values. “Images of people’s faces, of their vehicles, information about where they are in real time, that’s all sensitive information,” he explained, underscoring the potential for misuse.
As Annis campaigns for the mayoral position in this year’s civic election, she continues to call for the SPS and city management to expedite the implementation of this change. However, the SPS has refrained from providing further comments on the proposal, stating that it is not appropriate to engage in discussions related to Annis’ campaign.
As the debate unfolds, Surrey residents remain watchful of developments that could significantly impact their safety and privacy.
