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Police cameras still keeping close eye on downtown Toronto

Last Updated: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 | 1:10 PM ET

CBC News

Closed-circuit video cameras deployed by Toronto police during this summer's Caribana celebrations are still rolling in the city's downtown core.

Police confirm they're using the system at events tied to the 16th International AIDS
Conference.

Mumtaheena Miah, a youth delegate attending the conference, says the vigil planned for Thursday night in Dundas Square for victims of AIDS is a peaceful event, but she has no problem with the presence of police cameras.

"I know there are always cops around — and surveillance is just like more eyes, right — so overall for safety, it's a good thing," Miah said.

Cameras are used for a 'specific reason'

Toronto police have been testing the camera system during large group events, such as the annual Caribbean festival earlier this month and last weekend's Taste of the Danforth. They're now using it for conference events in Dundas Square.

"If they're there — there's a specific reason that they are there — and I think that's key to this," said police spokesman Mark Pugash.

He said police are following guidelines set by the Ontario privacy commissioner for the use of video surveillance but that does not mean a specific announcement each time the cameras are deployed.

James Robinson of the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area said signs alert people to the presence of police cameras.

"Posting the signage in the downtown Yonge area to let the public know they are there is in keeping with the spirit of the privacy commissioner guidelines."

Officials say the provincial privacy commissioner has not received any complaints about the cameras.

If the test is deemed a success, police say the surveillance system could become permanent.

This story is now closed to commenting.

Internal Links

Police to videotape Caribana crowd

External Links

Toronto police
Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

(Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - links will open in new window)

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