To the Editor:
I am writing regarding the proposal to install a police camera on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs.
I understand Chief Jonathan Searle’s desire to improve public safety, and I support giving the Oak Bluffs Police Department the resources necessary to keep residents, businesses, and visitors safe. However, I question whether installing permanent police surveillance on Circuit Avenue is the right approach for Martha’s Vineyard.
One of the things that makes the Vineyard special is its strong sense of community. I am concerned about taking a step toward having government cameras continuously monitoring people as they go about their daily lives in our downtown areas. Once that infrastructure is established, it also raises legitimate questions about how it may be used in the future. If there is a demonstrated problem with crime, disorder, or public safety on Circuit Avenue, I would much rather see additional police officers, particularly foot patrols.
An officer walking Circuit Avenue provides something a camera simply cannot. Officers deter inappropriate behavior through their presence, interact with business owners, residents, and visitors, exercise judgment, identify problems before they escalate, and can intervene immediately when something happens. A camera may record an incident, but it cannot do any of those things.
Before Oak Bluffs approves permanent police surveillance, I believe some basic questions deserve answers. What specific problem is the camera intended to solve? Will it operate continuously? Who will have access to the recordings? How long will footage be retained? Can it be shared with other agencies? Will facial recognition or other automated surveillance technology ever be permitted? And, importantly, have less intrusive alternatives such as increased foot patrols been adequately considered?
This should not be viewed as a choice between supporting the police and opposing public safety. I strongly support both the Oak Bluffs Police Department and efforts to keep Circuit Avenue safe. The question is how we accomplish that goal.
For me, the better answer is more human presence, not more government surveillance. I would rather see an officer walking Circuit Avenue, engaging with the community and available when someone needs help, than a camera mounted overhead recording everyone who passes beneath it.
Martha’s Vineyard has a character and sense of community worth protecting. As technology makes surveillance increasingly easy and inexpensive, I believe our Island communities should be especially thoughtful about where we draw that line.
Public safety matters. So does privacy. We should be able to protect both.
Oulton Hues
Edgartown
