William Vedra, executive director of the Ohio Homeland Security Division, said even cities like Dayton that don’t have camera systems would not need additional equipment, saying the video would be available via a secure internet connection.
Some Dayton-area cities, including Kettering, Englewood and West Carrollton, have their own camera systems, which could be linked to the network.
“People want their families to be safe,” Kettering police officer Michael Burke said. “If the technology is at your disposal, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to use it.”
But the American Civil Liberties Union says broad access for local agencies could lead to abuses of privacy. ACLU spokesman Mike Brickner cited cases where state employees improperly accessed database information on people like “American Idol” contestant Crystal Bowersox of Ohio, and wondered if local authorities could use expanded video access to improperly watch individuals.
Vedra said such misuses would be trackable, and he expected there would be penalties for improperly accessing the camera system, from fines to firing or possible imprisonment.
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President Chris Kershner said the system could have value to businesses, but added that companies likely would have differing opinions.
“There will certainly be caution about (police) usage of the network,” Kershner said. “Rights of private employers must be protected. ... Some people will feel comfortable with that and some won’t.”
Vedra said participation in the system will be voluntary, and he expects businesses and schools to work out agreements with the state on how the system could be used, and giving them an opt-out clause.
“We value the civil liberties of Ohioans,” Vedra said. “We’d be using cameras that are already in use, and there would be many safeguards in place.”
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