Critics fearful of ‘Big Brother’ speak up in email, social media
A request from the Taylor Police Department for more surveillance cameras downtown received approval and $250,000 in funding from the City Council Thursday.
Police Chief Henry Fluck asked for $200,000, but the council added the extra money — the entire package to be paid from tax-supported certificates of obligation — in case more surveillance is needed.
“This is a multipronged initiative,” Fluck said. “Essentially we’re looking at something that would deter crime, help apprehend criminals and give evidence for prosecution.”
Not everyone is in favor, and the council has received several emails in which critics express worries about the government having too many electronic eyes. Social media also has been filled with posts both pro and con.
The cost for downtown cameras is $188,018, including installation. They are provided by Sharco Technologies Inc. in Pflugerville.
They will enhance safety and security for residents who frequent downtown, as well as the business owners in the area, according to the city.
An additional $14,740 will provide surveillance cameras at the Police Department building and parking lot, where a burglary and vandalism recently occurred.
“That criminal was in the police parking lot for over two hours. We have staff working, we have communication workers coming in day and night who work, and this guy was prowling around vehicles for over two hours until he actually committed the crime,” Fluck said.
The chief said the culprit stole a city gas card out of a police car and smashed windows.
The man was detained and charged with burglary and criminal mischief.
Rick Von Pfeil, who owns property downtown, said growing vandalism has been a concern for business and property owners.
Pfeil, a member of the Downtown Business Owners Group, said windows have been broken on his property more than once.
The group “gravitated toward the idea of having surveillance cameras downtown,” Pfeil said.
Other business owners have told the council they want the cameras,
though a few have expressed doubts about their effectiveness.
One email sent to the council suggested spending the money instead on marketing to get more visitors and shoppers in the core city.
Some aired their objections through social media as well as emails, citing fears of government spying.
“This isn’t just about ‘catching bad guys.’ It’s about the creation of a long-term, searchable record of our movements ...These cameras log your presence at parks, events, protests or meetings. Over time, this builds a profile of your habits, associations, and routines,” posted one woman.
“There’s nothing in the plan to prevent misuse— such as targeting certain people, monitoring political activity, or digging through footage for non-criminal reasons.”
Fluck countered some of those concerns, noting the cameras do not have facial recognition, license plate readers or any type of analytics.
Also, they will not be linked to other lawenforcement organizations.
Their function is to provide real-time downtown monitoring and record evidence.
“Right now, when we present cases to the county and district attorney, they expect digital video evidence to be submitted with the case, whether it be body cams from the officers, whether it be a Ring camera from a citizen, whether it be a surveillance camera,” Fluck said.
The new 360-degree pan-and-tilt cameras will be installed in Heritage Square Park, the Pierce Skate Park and construction at the new City Hall and Police Station. Main Street from Second to Fifth streets will be viewable, as well as MLK Jr.
Boulevard and South Main.
“This is all in public places where there is no expectation of privacy. This is not going into any private places.
When you’re in public you have the expectation of being able to be filmed,” Fluck said.
“That’s the reality of the world now.”
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When you’re in public you have the expectation of being able to be filmed.”
— Police Chief Henry Fluck
