Surveillance cameras being installed around Charlottetown

Charlottetown police have started installing the first of dozens of surveillance cameras around the city. It's a crime fighting method they call modern and cost-effective but it has some residents and legal experts asking questions.

Constable Patrick Hogan can keep an eye on busy spots just by sitting in front of a bank of monitors at the station. 

"I think it's a great tool," he said. "And once the system's up and running, it's going to be a great asset to the department."

Charlottetown police plan to install 60 to 80 remote controlled cameras as part of their E-Watch program.

Deputy Police Chief Gary McGuigan says the cameras will be installed in partnership with local businesses. "The cameras will only be aimed at the businesses we partner with," he said.

However McGuigan says the surveillance video may be of more use to police beyond the interest of the specific partner business. "For instance if we had to ID someone who did a break and enter in the area," said McGuigan. "There may be footage or images of that person on the camera that's set up at the business which may or may not be victims of the break and enter." 

Police say the cameras will be clearly marked and easily visible.

Resident Matt Holme doesn't see a problem with the cameras.

"I suppose that anything that makes the town safer, a more pleasant place to be, I'm all for it," he said.

Charlottetown resident Mitchell Chandler said they make him feel snooped on.

"I think it's like them trying to keep an eye on everybody, 24/7, what you're doing," he said. "They just want to be nosey, see what everyone's doing."

The use of security cameras has become wide-spread globally, but their use by police in Atlantic Canada is still a new and growing trend.

Privacy lawyer David Fraser says that raises important legal questions.

"Are they going to be using any other technology in association with this? Facial recognition? Are they going to be only holding onto this for 24 hours, 72 hours, 30 days? The proof and real privacy impact will be determined by what happens with these images in the background," he said.

Police say they'll keep the video for just two weeks, unless needed as evidence.

"We're not hiding them and there's no reasonable expectation of privacy in any of the areas where we have these cameras," said McGuigan. "But we are adhering to all the privacy rules."

The City of Charlottetown did not consult the public before approving the E-Watch program.

Mayor Clifford Lee says the police department has long been in need of better technology.

"For years, citizens and and council have been demanding more from our police department from crime prevention," he said. "This is a fantastic way for the department to do that task, that we as a citizen and we as council expect that department to do."

Only about a dozen cameras have been installed and only three of those are actually operational but eventually cameras will be located throughout the city.