DHS Urged To Take Leadership Role in CCTV Deployment

The Department of Homeland Security has a responsibility to ensure that video surveillance systems paid for with federal taxpayer dollars don’t erode privacy and civil liberties, CDT said in comments filed today. Given evidence that video cameras do not enhance security in many situations, the first step is for DHS to develop a system to evaluate the likely effectiveness of proposed CCTV installations by state and local governments seeking federal grants. Further, DHS should impose conditions on the grants it does make, to ensure that agencies follow privacy “best practices” regarding the use and storage of video feeds.