Surveillance cameras placed in public places give many people that uneasy feeling that Big Brother is watching, but for those living in violent communities, the extra set of eyes may provide a much-needed sense of security.
Toronto Police plan to install up to 20 closed-circuit cameras in troubled communities across the city and areas like Jane-Finch, Malvern and Rexdale have all been named as potential candidates.
"We intend to put cameras up in areas that have experienced crime and violence. But we're going to put signs up letting people know they're there so that individuals who may be predisposed to commit crimes in those areas will be deterred," Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair said.
The plan worked in the downtown community of Alexandra Park, according to local residents. Cameras came in after a man was shot in broad daylight with children around. One neighbour named Cathy said the criminals in her neck of the woods aren't quite as brazen or active as they once were.
"I never used to go out at night. Now I go out and I enjoy my life," she said.
But she says cameras don't stop crime, they just force it into another neighbourhood.
"If people want to do anything, they do them where the cameras aren't," she added.
The provincial government thinks installing cameras in Toronto's trouble spots is a good idea and is kicking in $2 million to fund the program.