Today’s Denver Post reports that Denver police hope to install some 20 high-tech video cameras before next summer’s Democratic National Convention. The cameras will monitor street activity in the city’s core near the Pepsi Center and along the popular 16th Street Mall. Digital videos from the cameras will be erased after 30 days.
Some members of the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado contend the cameras could violate privacy and also inhibit demonstrators. According to the Post, Colorado ACLU Executive Director Cathryn Hazouri said, “Cameras do not prevent crime,” and, “This is spying.” She said the presence of cameras might inhibit the lawful demonstrations that are a part of the political process.
Sometimes I agree heartily with ACLU stances; sometimes I don’t. In this case, I definitely do not. There is not, and should not be, any expectation of privacy on a public thoroughfare. Public means public, after all. Unless you are breaking the law, I don’t see any reason to be concerned about security cameras.
You’re right; public means public. But spying on the Dems… Didn’t they learn anything from Watergate?