the Night Has a Thousand Eyes
...and a thousand eyes can't help but see...
Toronto Police Services Board

So, I finally read the Toronto Public Space Committee's February newsletter, and I'm glad I did. It told me a bit about the already-decided-upon plan to introduce closed-curcuit television cameras onto Toronto's streets.

There are public consultations on this topic being held this week and next, but I'm busy during them, so to voice my opposition to this programme, I wrote to the Mayor and my City Councillor.

If you want to know what's going on, please follow the police link above and read about the CCTV programme. Proponents of this surveillance will tell you that it shouldn't matter to those not doing anything wrong. Opponents, like me, will tell you that it's another step towards living in a panopticon.

Here's the letter I'm sending out to the Mayor:

Dear Mayor Miller,

I am writing to you to express my opposition to the introduction of closed-curcuit television cameras onto our City's streets.

I understand that the intention of this programme is to increase the safety of the public in the affected areas. I understand that the areas chosen to be monitored will be areas that are unresponsive to traditional policing. I understand that the cameras will be clearly marked and will only survey open, public spaces. And I don't care.

It is my opinion that the introduction of CCTV cameras onto city streets oversteps the legitimate scope of the government.

It is my opinion that the introduction of CCTV cameras onto the streets tramples upon my rights.

I would rather have a corrupt city council and a useless, expensive and destructive fixed link to an ill-placed airport, than live in a police state.

It is my opinion that politicians who do not oppose CCTV cameras necessarily oppose freedom.

I would welcome any information you could send me about your views on this matter.

With thanks for your time,

Andrew