Security cameras in downtown Barrie are slowly coming into focus. City councillors gave initial approval Monday to include the $250,000 capital and installation cost of 10 wireless cameras in next year's budget, and the estimated $55,000 for operating costs in the annual police budget. "In all cases they are a tool for the police to catch criminals," said Mayor Jeff Lehman. "They increase the perceived level of safety," said Coun. Lynn Strachan, who represents the downtown. These expenditures still need to be approved in January during the 2012 capital and operating budget process. Coun. Barry Ward says he still needs to be convinced. He asked police to provide studies that show security cameras are effective, in terms of arrests made and cases cleared. "We are spending $250,000 on something and I'm not sure it will have any effect," he said. "I think I would rather see the money go to officers. "I ask the police to show they (security cameras) are effective, some studies to show they are effective." Coun. Peter Silveira asked how personal privacy would be affected by the cameras and how the data would be managed. Coun. Michael Prowse noted that while the cameras might act as a deterrent to crime, they are most effective as an expert witness - recording what's going on in the downtown.
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"I'm looking for a tool." Prowse pointed out that cameras helped police make arrests following Vancouver's Stanley Cup riots last spring. In addition to Ward's request for studies on security cameras, councillors will also ask the Downtown BIA to contribute to the cost - either the capital or operating expenses. "I don't have an amount in mind, but a substantial contribution," Prowse said. "I think this is in their wheelhouse." Ward also wants the crime and clearance rate for the last five years, so council has a comparator if and when the cameras are installed. The security cameras would cover the area along Dunlop Street from Toronto to Mulcaster streets, and Collier Street from Mulcaster to Bayfield streets. In late June Barrie's police board gave initial approval to the security camera project, if it can be funded with an acceptable impact on the annual police operating budget. This was after community response was measured through phone calls, e-mails, surveys and media polls, and 62% of those who responded were in favour of having security cameras downtown. The Downtown BIA endorsed the concept as well. Security cameras would be a service level increase by Barrie police, something that is considered by council and city departments on a regular basis as part of the city's annual operating budget process, which includes policing costs. Police Chief Mark Neelin has said security cameras would increase demands on the police information technology staff, but wouldn't be actively viewed by police and set to monitor a general area. The police communications centre would have a monitor and staff would be able to watch it. There would have to be someone responsible to make sure the system functions properly, the necessary records are maintained, maintenance is done and footage is retrieved, as required. The cameras wouldn't always be in the same location either. Neelin has said there are no hard statistics showing security cameras prevent crime, but police feel they do deter it. Some crimes have also been solved with the help of security cameras. While the city would be responsible for costs associated with the cameras, that price could be offset by provincial funding through the proceeds of crime grants and private/public partnerships. But that funding would not be available, if approved, until the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Many private city businesses already use video cameras inside their buildings, and on their property, for security reasons. Police also use these recorded images to investigate crimes and identify suspects. Barrie's Transit Terminal had 10 security cameras installed at its 24 Maple St. building a few years ago. Cabling, digital equipment and computer monitors are also part of the system. The security camera images at the bus station are recorded, but not constantly monitored. There are security personnel at the downtown terminal as well. The city also has security cameras, about 50, in its Collier Street parking garage. Their images are just recorded and not actively monitored. In 2001, the city looked at installing video surveillance cameras in the downtown area. Conflicting federal and provincial positions on the legality of surveillance, however, even in high-crime areas, and the potential for court challenges in cities where cameras were already used, stopped the plans.
