Waltzed in to get my mail last week, as most of us do, and low and behold numerous mail boxes (including my own) had been pried open. Again, thieves evidently hoping to stumble onto something of value.
The need for security in government buildings is something that most citizens won’t argue with. But while police officers may guard a courthouse, some people may wonder why it is that buildings such as a post office need to have security cameras. The answer is obvious: a post office is a potential target for criminals just as surely as any other government building is. After all, a vast amount of personal material and data temporarily reside there.
Here in Oliver we have dozens of CCTV cameras monitoring our schools, town hall, parks and recreation facilities, town maintenance and repair sites, car charging stations, provincial facilities, RCMP offices, etc. But none where a demonstrable day-in and day-out personal need exists.
I do understand that the proprietorship of this facility is different than those stated above and that produces some unusual nuances to a measured response. But up until now the only answer that those in charge of this facility have exercised is to continue to restrict the hours that will be available for all of us to retrieve our own property.
Isn’t it about time to quit worrying about the small handful of folks who have concerns about privacy in public venues and move on to an approach that we know is effective? Shouldn’t we consider a comprehensive approach to CCTV as it applies to our community?
I believe our property should be as effectively protected against these miscreants as our towns’ facilities are.
Michael Guthrie, Oliver
