Government

Secret, High-Tech Cameras to Survey GOP Convention, Raising Privacy Concerns

Tampa Security Cameras for Republican National Convention Raises Big Brother Concerns

(Photo: Flickr/emptystreets)

With Tampa, Fla., hosting the Republican National Convention this August, security preparations are already underway. One of these efforts includes high-tech surveillance cameras placed at undisclosed locations that have some worried about Big Brother sticking around even after the convention gets out of town.

Tampa Bay Online reports that the city council approved the purchase of a $2 million closed-circuit television system, which includes cameras that can “zoom in on your face and clearly see who you’re talking to on the sidewalk below,” even while the device may be installed at the top of a skyscraper. Council members recently expressed their thoughts on the system with varying opinions regarding how long it should remain:

A balance must be struck between providing safety and protecting the privacy of citizens, Councilwoman Lisa Montelione said.

“I don’t have a problem of purchasing this equipment for the protection of the city, citizens and officers,” she said during the council meeting Thursday. “The issue that was brought to my attention is the regulation of the cameras after the convention.”

Councilwoman Mary Mulhern expressed concerns that Big Brother-type surveillance will linger long after the convention ends.

“This is a huge thing,” Mulhern said. “We’ll have many dozens of security cameras overhead. We don’t want permanent surveillance.”

Councilwoman Yvonne Yolie Capin said residents may have already grown accustomed to the prevalence of cameras at traffic lights and storefronts. Video surveillance may make people feel safer and bring more business to downtown shops and bars after dark, she said.

“That ship has sailed,” Capin said. “There are cameras everywhere.”

Tampa Bay Online also has more details from an ACLU attorney on the cameras:

“These are not run-of-the-mill cameras,” said John Dingfelder, a former Tampa councilman. “These are high-tech cameras that, when mounted on the top of a building, can see the mole on your face. There’s privacy issues here. If the city keeps these cameras, what are the limits of their use?”

Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor is reported as saying she hopes the department has a level of rapport established in the community that they will trust the cameras will be used appropriately. Still, the purchase of the cameras for the Aug. 27 event — although they will be running by July 1 and after the convention as well — was approved 6-1. The council will reconvene on the topic of how long they will remain on Sept. 20.

It is noted that the public did not comment on the cameras — the contract for which was awarded to a firm called Aware Digital — because of time constraints for installation and training. Tampa Bay Online reports that the city has spent $6.5 million on security for the convention thus far.

(H/T Blaze reader Susan H.)

Comments (56)

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  • Sniper48
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:09am

    Are there similar cameras in Charlotte NC for the DNC convention. Imagine the criminal elements amassing for THAT gathering of groups seeking a national spotlight. Also, what is to prevent the cops from merely saying that the cameras were pointed elsewhere when members of one of their “protected groups” commits a crime. What are the safeguards for video from being destroyed so it can’t be used to prosecute one of the “protected groups” at the DNC and elsewhere? There are none. But if a white male spits on the sidewalk, the SWAT team will “protect us” by gunning him down.

    Report Post »  
  • Tom K
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:01am

    A Brave New World run by Cowards.

    Report Post »  
    • BarackStalin
      Posted on March 9, 2012 at 2:12pm

      Since there are cameras everywhere for safety, I think I’ll just start wearing a ski mask everywhere I go. That ought to make everyone feel safer and more comfortable.

      Report Post » BarackStalin  
  • B-Neil
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 8:31am

    Sometimes what sounds good is really bad. I‘m just suprised those intrusive cameras haven’t been use for drive by practice. Give a drunk a gun! Just becouse a technolgy is developed, does not mean it has to be used. By the way; who’s invested in this type of tech??? GOD BLESS AMERICA and INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM

    Report Post »  
  • grannyrecipe
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 6:53am

    I don’t get why they consider this as something that will prevent crime as it can only serve as evidence after the fact.

    Report Post » grannyrecipe  
  • Sandoz
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 6:42am

    How do you KILL 11 Million 238,000 thousand people?

    (Add to that 5,200,000 German civilians and war dead.)
    (Add to that 28,736,000 Europeans killed during WW2
    as a result of Hitler’s aggressive governmental policies.)

    The answer is breathtakingly simple.
    And it is a method still being used by some elected leaders
    to achieve various goals today.

    How do you kill Eleven Million People?
    LIE TO THEM. – Andy Andrews

    Report Post »  
  • EP46
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 5:52am

    How about just moving the Republican convention to Camp David ?????

    Everyone knows how many people gather each time the G8 meets…that is why obama moved the G8 to Camp David from Chicago….he does not want Chicago destroyed by the groups that always manage to do a great job of such things during G8 meetings.

    The $2 million will probably be needed by Florida to clean up and repair damage done by the protestors.

    Report Post »  
  • SlyFox123
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:40pm

    This could be a double edge sword…the Liberal Left, can’t get in there and do all of there dirty deeds, which we know thats what they want to do any way…..but this may put a stop to that idea!. So, it does look like the Liberal Left and the Southern Law Center, will have to come up with another tactic, to try to burn the Tea Party. I,. for one say to the city of Tampa, FL. GOOD IDEA!. keep up the good work!

    Report Post »  
  • SlyFox123
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:28pm

    This shows it….the Liberal Left is scared to death.!

    Report Post »  
  • tharpdevenport
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:19pm

    “A balance must be struck between providing safety and protecting the privacy of citizens, Councilwoman Lisa Montelione said.”

    That’s all you need to know. This is the same code language of government officials in charge who want to watch you. She’s telling you, in her version of “no uncertain terms” that not only is it staying, but it will be used to psy on citizens.
    The city wasn’t going to purchase $2 million in cameras and then just taken them down.

    Report Post » tharpdevenport  
  • ChasVoice
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:57pm

    Wear large plantation hats, Halloween masks, or netting.

    Report Post »  
  • 83plus
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:11pm

    Security is one thing and traffic light cameras can help in determining whose at fault in a car crash if any. But the ability to zoom in and see a person’s face in detail? How far is too far?

    Report Post »  
  • Captain Crunch
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:33pm

    The first mistake was letting them put the first camera in.

    Report Post »  
    • MonkeyBeagle
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:53pm

      This is for the Vets that will be marching on the convention…. Active Military and Vets will be making their presence known at the convention in support of Ron Paul…. And they are not very happy with the fraud that has gone on during the primary in Nevada, Iowa, Maine, Alaska…. that is just the ones where there is proof. Will be interesting to see what happens. Expect 10000 plus vets and military personel… as long as big brother doesnt stop them.

      Report Post »  
    • IntheKnowOG
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 5:23pm

      Hey, Paulbot, there are less of you than you think. Stop crying foul everytime you lose.

      Report Post » IntheKnowOG  
    • EndTheFedNOW
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:48pm

      There are millions of us you tool. The system has commitied fraud aginst us.

      Report Post » EndTheFedNOW  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:33pm

    I’m sorry, but in the day and age we live in and the GOP possibly being attacked by the left I would be for the camera’s. Besides only guilty people would complain? If I am a criminal you can bet your booties that I am going to raise hell.. but if I am a law abiding citizen what do I have to fear. I do not trust the administration, or the OWS or anyone from the far left! Lord help us!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • goahead.makemyday
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:33pm

    I am so glad that I never stay in Tampa, I only drive through if necessary. But I am surprised that Tampa is the first city to get them and not Miami.

    Report Post » goahead.makemyday  
  • LOJ
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:32pm

    They are spying on everyone, not just the GOP!

    Report Post »  
    • Grandmadar
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:12pm

      We have our picture taken several times a day…at the pump, at the ATM, intersections, you name it. We would be surprised if we knew.

      Report Post »  
  • AmazingGrace8
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:32pm

    Cameras to control every move you make..I’ll be watching you (song, Police)

    Also…Hi! I am from the government and I am here to make “you” “feel-safe”. This targets “women”. In my opinion, this started in the early 90′s….4 or 5 kids in a years’ time, die from “an accident” and government steps in and passes laws to “free-market” businesses, DEMANDING reconstruction of their product. And the beat goes on! 99+% of businesses would have amended, on their own,the product because of the accidents and wanting to stay in business….”standing-around-clip-board” politicians don’t need to enforce the “free-people-free-market-system”…but the American people have handed-over their liberties. It is our own fault…we have a long way to go to get these liberties back before the constitution is replaced with total tyranny! God Bless America!
    P.S. It ticks me off when Obama says “the folks”….he has such contempt for citizens that do not want his policies. He is a phony piece of work.

    Report Post »  
  • Razorhunters
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:31pm

    On March 5, the chief law enforcement officials from nine states issued A Report on Obama’s 21 Administration Violations of Law:

    http://rslc.com/_blog/News/post/MEMO_A_Report_on_Obama_Administration_Violations_of_Law/

    “President Obama and his deputies, are the greatest set of lawbreakers that have run the federal government in our lifetimes….
    This administration repeatedly shows disdain for states, federal laws it finds inconvenient, the Constitution and the courts.”
    http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2012/03/state_attorneys_general_report_tackles_obamas_unprecedented_lawbreaking.html

    Report Post » Razorhunters  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:24pm

    Another reason to stay away from downtown except when the Lightning are playing at home. :)

    Report Post » biohazard23  
    • Restored One
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:40pm

      But no surveillance of Muslim organizations or Mosques. NOPE, cant have that.

      Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:10pm

    If you are outside and in the public realm, you are fair game. This means, don‘t deal drugs on the open streets or pick up a prostitute and you won’t have any embarrassing video captures.

    Report Post » COFemale  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:21pm

      That‘s right you’re in public with no expectation of privacy but with every government program it just gets bigger and into more areas.One example,no smoking in stores restaurants etc. now the control freaks want to ban smoking in your own home! This is how it works it starts out with ‘it’s for your safety‘ and then before you know it we’ll have to have cameras in our houses,it‘s voluntary at first just a trial run and later it’s mandatory.Is it possible? With the way things are going now it could actually happen.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • scuba13
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:28pm

      What about the TSA stopping random cars on Tennessee highways a few months ago?

      Report Post » scuba13  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:44pm

      About 30 years ago I read a book entitled “When Your Money Fails”. It dealt with the very things we face today, including surveillance in our homes. It still sounds wild but there was a section about those little light sensors which are built into all the cable ready TVs, having integrated cameras which would be monitored through the cable TV providers. Big Brother has been watching you for a long long time.

      Report Post »  
    • Grandmadar
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:25pm

      @ Captain Crunch….do you know the name of the author of the book? Sounds interesting.

      Report Post »  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:35pm

      @Grandmadar

      Sorry, I don’t remember. I‘ve done a search for the book but I think it’s out of print. It’s one of those books I regret giving away. The main gist of the book had to do with the collapse of the economy and the mark of the beast. Very early theories, but lots of insight.

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:11am

      I understand what you are saying, but when they move to private areas, that is where I draw the line. Eating at restaurants and shopping in stores I consider as public places. I for one am for no smoking in restaurants and stores only because I am allergic to the smoke and just getting a whiff can close up my throat to where I am gasping for breath or it can instantly make me want to puke. Puking in a restaurant would not be very polite, don’t you think. However, I do draw the line where it is someone’s private home. No one has that right and I would vote to block any law that was passed in that regard.

      Report Post » COFemale  
  • amdoktor
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:05pm

    Once our Government puts their agenda into effect, it will never be reversed. Freedoms, laws, personal privacy, statutes, or mandates are slowly being put into place, eased in so to speak, so we will not notice or protest. We have drones being built for spying us, cameras going in everywhere. Is this what we are about? I think not.
    This is why I will continue to support Ron Paul.
    God bless our Nation

    Report Post » amdoktor  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:13pm

      The government already has the smart grid where the government can control how much energy we use in our own homes,but it’s for our own good,control,control,control that’s their game.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 4:50pm

      Then… it’s getting close to the time… to start over, again!

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • doomytram
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:04pm

    Nanny Bloomberg’s got nothing on the CIA and Nanny Oblamer / Axelrod et al

    Report Post » doomytram  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:57pm

    “These are high-tech cameras that, when mounted on the top of a building, can see the mole on your face.”

    I hope so…. if not… what a waste of money!

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:55pm

      They have even better picture quality cameras on satellites. If the public knows about it, it is already obsolete. I’ll be selling tinfoil hats on Ebay soon.

      Report Post »  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 6:49pm

      CRUNCH. Alex Jones “watchers” will scoop those up from you in a NY Minute. I see you getting very rich, very soon! Lol.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
  • lukerw
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:53pm

    Security can NEVER be complete nor prevent intentional penetration… but only result in PARANOIA!

    Good Luck!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • scuba13
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:53pm

    Does this mean we get to see Encinom defecating on the side of a police car again?

    Report Post » scuba13  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:53pm

    They paid millions for them, think they are going to get rid of them after the convention? They must have facial recognition software in them. Privacy? We dont need no stinking privacy! Somewhere, George and Aldous are rolling in their respective graves…by the way, Check out the red light spot beam cameras up here in Jersey..Paterson and Irvington have them now….1984 aint got nothing on 2012…We, The People are apparently the suspected enemy now….

    Report Post » Mark0331  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:09pm

      Our benevolent government will ‘protect’ us,that‘s their story and they’re sticking to it.We’ll be wired as bad as London some day,to have total coverage 24/7 is a tyrants wet dream.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • Cat
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 8:50am

    Similar issues are popping up in other areas here

    Sarasota dumped a crap load of taxpayer money on a high tech parking meter system for the downtown area and is now dumping the system … wasted taxpayer money

    The city to the north dumped taxpayer money on traffic surveillance equipment at select intersections. The equipment sits idol now … wasted taxpayer money
    This is just a small sampling
    When are people going to wake up … We’re being ripped off by jackasses in suits and fancy skirts

    Report Post » Cat  
  • KevINtampa
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 1:03pm

    Temple Terrace is having similar issues with poor property purchases done under the ruse of right of way laws to redevelop city hall, the police department, and post office. Spent a crap ton of money, ran out of money midway through the process, and essentially was forced to give away what land had been purchased by the city to a private developer, which if it was researched I’m sure would be discovered that the developer had family ties some where in the city council.

    Corruption is the problem and we need to solve it at the local level first before we can even begin to dream about getting the corruption out of the federal central planning system.

    Report Post »  
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