Politics & Government

Public Surveillance Cameras: Big Brother or Public Safety

The board may take up surveillance cameras in the future.


Selectmen briefly staked positions Wednesday on the idea of installing "road rage" surveillance cameras to monitor illegal activity in town.

Selectman Glenn Kessler introduced the idea to enhance public safety.
 
Locations were unspecified, but the inference was they would be above roads in town.

He said there have been incidents at Vinnin Square and Fisherman's Beach, and cameras might be a way to catch bad guys.

Selectman Barry Greenfield said he opposes people being watched in a suburb such as Swampscott.

He said tracking devices can be abused.

Chairman Jill Sullivan said she would want to hear a lot of public input on the surveillance cameras — presumably before the board considered the cameras.

Selectman Kessler said he and others would gather information and bring it to the board in the future.



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