SurveillanceSurveillance cams removed from Muslim neighborhood in U.K.
Local law enforcement officials in the United Kingdom have begun to uninstall more than 200 surveillance cameras from a predominately Muslim neighborhood in Birmingham; the installation of the cameras was met with fierce criticism, especially after residents had learned that some cameras were hidden; residents were particularly incensed because they were not consulted during the planning process; in October Chief Constable Chris Sims agreed to remove the cameras in order to regain the trust of the community
UK will remove cameras following protests // Source: patdollard.com
Local law enforcement officials in the United Kingdom have begun to uninstall more than 200 surveillance cameras from a predominately Muslim neighborhood in Birmingham.
The installation of the cameras was met with fierce criticism, especially after residents had learned that some cameras were hidden.
The cameras were initially placed in April 2010, and residents were particularly incensed because they were not consulted during the planning process. Steve Jolly, a local resident, led the protest movement against the cameras on the grounds that the hidden cameras functioned like spy cameras and violated privacy and civil liberties.
After residents met with local officials in October, Chief Constable Chris Sims agreed to remove the cameras in order to regain the trust of the community.
“We accept that mistakes were made and we are keen to learn the lessons that emerged from the review into Project Champion. The removal of the cameras is part of that learning process,” said Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe.
“The work starting today shows that we have listened to what our communities wanted and acted upon those wishes,” she added.
Birmingham City Council officials echoed these sentiments, reaching the same conclusion as the police department in a report that investigated the matter.
Councilor Ayoub Khan said, “I am pleased that the recommendations of that report and the voice of the local community has been heard.”
Officials estimate that the cost of uninstalling the cameras will be £630,000, roughly $1 million. The cameras were initially paid for with a £3 million government grant designed to help local agencies combat terrorism, especially in advance of the 2012 London Olympic Games.
All 218 cameras will be removed by the end of May.
Local police officials have yet to make a decision on what they will do with the cameras, but have suggested that they might install them in other locations around Birmingham.
A spokesman for the West Midlands Police was careful to note that any future decisions to install security cameras would be made after consultation with local residents.
“Before any decision is made on the future use of the cameras an appropriate consultation process with our communities will take place,” he said.
