Police use of security cameras could raise tricky questions, expert says

A new program that encourages residents to register security cameras with police could lead to some tricky situations, according to an expert on surveillance and citizens' rights.

This week Thunder Bay police are calling on citizens to register their surveillance cameras to help with investigations. 

The voluntary program has been welcomed by Thunder Bay's waterfron BItA. But Brenda McPhail, a researcher with the Surveillance Watch project at the University of Toronto, says it's important to ask questions. 

She says citizens have a "reasonable expectation" of privacy even in a public space. 

• Waterfront BIA welcomes security camera registration
• Thunder Bay police want residents to register security cameras

"It's a diminished expectation, because of course we expect to be seen by other people when we're going out and about on our daily business," she said. 

"But we also have the right to know that if someone's watching us in a way that's going to be recorded or kept or can be referred to later, that they tell us about that."  

Some rules in 'grey area'

McPhail said that although there are rules for how businesses use surveillance cameras, regulation of domestic cameras and how they're used and displayed is still a "grey area" — and that's another reason to be concerned about privacy. 

Participating, or not, in the program could also affect one's relationship with the police, she said. 

"We really do need to think about what's going to be the effect if you happen to be the one person on the block who says no?" she said. 

"Are you going to be seen as obstructionist? What effect might that have on your relationship with your local law enforcement, or your neighbours if that information gets out?"

A police spokesperson said they will supply businesses with decals advertising the use of security cameras registered with police.