Why Are These People Complaining About the Cameras?

Recently, there have been talk that some people are complaining about the number of cameras that are present on Chicago's streets. Some of the people that are willing to address this issue is the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois.

The ACLU of Illinois says that there are absolutely too many cameras on the streets of Chicago. According to them, there are approximately ten thousand of these lenses which are hanging on really tall buildings and utility poles.

Why having street cameras is even an issue? The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois report quotes, "Chicago's camera network invades the freedom to be anonymous in public places, a key aspect of the fundamental American right to be left alone." It is not like these cameras are located inside of public bathrooms, a doctor's office, or in a department store. They are located outside--in the general public. If these cameras are located outside, then it cannot possibly invade someone's privacy. That is a pretty not-so-smart point to debate upon.

Important locations such as city agencies and the Chicago Transit Authority, or CTA utilize these cameras. At least in the case of the Chicago Transit Authority, it serves a very good purpose. With the cameras installed in each station, the authorities are able to track down people who are wreaking havoc or with people who jump the turnstile to avoid paying the fare. As a result, the culprit gets a hot meal ticket--sitting in the jail cell.

Let's not forget there are approximately four thousand cameras installed by Chicago Public Schools and one thousand at O'Hare International Airport. With the increasing gang and drug activities present in many of the area's schools, it is imperative that these cameras be utilized. If anyone complains about the cameras present in problematic areas, then these people must not be thinking clearly, especially if he/she want these children to have a brighter future. As for the cameras installed at the O'Hare International Airport, it is also imperative. We hear on the news so much about security alerts and breaches that many people are embracing the idea for more security cameras.

How can an organization as well known as the ACLU make such a claim? The point that they are trying to debate is not making much sense.

The ACLU also goes as far as suggesting that there should be input from the general public, auditing on a regular basis, and rules and regulations on who can see public notices, or even pictures prior to setting up a camera and disclosure of abuse.

The majority of the general public have a message for ACLU--they are glad that the cameras are present on the street, especially in those neighborhoods where gang, drug and other illegal activities are prevalent. These street cameras are not meant to invade anyone's privacy; these "privacy robbing" lenses are for security purposes.

Source: http://www.policeone.com/police-products/investigation/cameras/articles/3298296-ACLU-blasts-Chicago-PDs-network-of-cameras/