Saint Andrews offers $100 rebate on residential security cameras, cites rise in crime
But expert says it's 'slippery slope' to encourage members of community to spy on one another
Saint Andrews hopes to have more eyes on its streets with a new security camera rebate program, but not everyone agrees it's a good idea, citing privacy concerns among other things.
The rebate, up to a maximum of $100, is for residents of Saint Andrews, Chamcook and Bayside in southwestern New Brunswick.
Residents must also be willing to provide security camera footage to the Town of Saint Andrews and the RCMP to help with investigations into crime in the community.
"It was a way that we can create an opportunity for security as well as the ability to help our RCMP in our investigation process," says Paul Nopper, the town clerk.
The program was developed in conjunction with the RCMP as a response to increased thefts in the community, Nopper said.
According to the RCMP website database, there have been "285 occurrences" reported in 2024 as of Aug. 14, which is actually less than the previous year for the same period.
Those statistics include nine for assault, 20 for break and enter, two for theft of motor vehicle and 246 occurrences listed under "other," with no further explanation.
But some residents said they noticed more break-ins and car thefts this winter.
"There's a big increase over the winter, because there are a lot of seasonal properties here," said Beth Moore, a Saint Andrews resident for 13 years. "It's a bit scary because you don't really think of Saint Andrews as having a crime problem."
Moore is considering buying some cameras for her property and applying for the rebate.
"It's a very good idea. I've already talked to my husband and we're looking into it."
Mayor Brad Henderson said he has concerns about safety and the RCMP could use the help from the community.
"They do not have the resources to keep up with the growth of crime … and when you add up the fact that our courts right now are getting repeat offenders and continue to let them back on the street on the day in which they get arrested, it's really almost a perfect storm." he said.
More harm than help, expert says
This program might not be the best solution to crime, according to Brenda McPhail, director of the privacy, technology and surveillance program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.
"It's a very slippery slope for a police force to encourage members of the community to spy on one another for police purposes," she said.
"We should seriously think about whether providing people incentives to keep a watchful eye on their neighbours or people who walk through their community is socially responsible."
She said there are privacy concerns to consider, for example, including the possibility of malicious use of the footage collected with rebate-sponsored cameras.
"There's data to suggest that police often disproportionately direct surveillance activities towards people who are racialized and people who are Indigenous. Citizens who feel empowered by police to conduct surveillance may possibly have those same inclinations."
Surveillance cameras are not effective as a preventive measure, according to McPhail.
"It's not nothing if a camera can help police in an investigation and lead to arresting an offender. But the preventive aspect of cameras is often oversold."
The town currently does not have specific guidelines in cases of malicious use, but McPhail encourages residents to bring up concerns at council meetings.
Mark Hickey, a frequent visitor to Saint Andrews, is also skeptical about the program.
"It doesn't seem to be very proactive rather, you know, I think with just more visibility of maybe police or patrols around the neighbourhood might be better than just kind of trying to catch people after the fact."
McPhail said with surveillance techniques advancing, it's crucial to take a critical lens at measures such as residential cameras.
"Essentially it will become difficult to walk down the street without being identifiable ... And sleepwalking into allowing it to happen without being critical of the impacts on us, on our kids, on our communities is really not the best thing."
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