Brewster may install security cameras along Main Street

The Journal News
Aug. 16, 2005

Jaime Gomez, a Guatemalan day laborer, favors the idea of installing surveillance cameras up and down Main Street in the village.

"It's like cameras in a store. Now, it would just be on the street," Gomez, 18, said while waiting for a job curbside near the Brewster Public Library. "I'm not a bad person. If you mind your own business, then there's nothing to worry about."

Though crime is not rampant in Brewster, village officials are considering placing 16 electronic cameras throughout the downtown to increase security and catch people committing crimes, including petty theft, vandalism and public urination. Trustee Mike Santos said he would propose the legislation at a board meeting Wednesday.

"I'm convinced that people think Main Street is unsafe, " Santos said. "Having cameras is an inexpensive way to increase public perception of safety in the village."

With dozens of men crowding the sidewalks waiting for potential jobs, some people feel intimidated walking the village to shop or eat, Santos said. Conversely, there is also a concern that contractors may be ripping off day laborers. Cameras may help solve both those issues.

"It's prudent for the board to find out if people would feel safer and if it would encourage them to come down and visit Main Street," he said. "This would benefit everyone."

Since the village does not have its own police department and did away with its round-the-clock sheriff's patrol, the electronic devices would be monitored by community members via the Internet, Santos said.

"It would be like an electronic neighborhood watch," he said.

The cameras would cost the village $20,000. A four-year bond with interest would cost the village $500 a month, Santos said.

Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith said he supported the idea of cameras in public places.

"In London, surveillance cameras played a major role in the investigation into recent bombings," Smith said. "Certainly, surveillance cameras are very effective. I know that civil libertarians may complain and say that it's too much like Big Brother watching you. But from what I know, they're put in places where there should be no expectation of privacy. They're very effective and certainly can be used to prevent and solve crimes."

The village of Haverstraw has had surveillance cameras throughout its business district, parks and parking lots since 1998. Prior to the initiative, Haverstraw was a hotbed for criminal activity, said village Mayor Francis "Bud" Wassmer.

"We had large groups gathering, public drinking, open drug sales. Things were pretty wild. We were a place to be avoided," Wassmer said. "The first year after the installation of the cameras, we reduced crime by 60 percent."

The Haverstraw Police Department monitors the equipment. There are about 10 high-tech cameras throughout the village that cost about $10,000 each, he said.

Brewster property owner Richard Ruchala said he's had several cameras outside his building at 2-16 Main St. for three years, and that they've served him well.

"It's helped me many times," Ruchala said. "I had a gallery window broken, and I found out who did it and the people paid for it."

But not everyone welcomes the proposal.

"There's very little crime here," said Peter Michael, 55, who frequents Jack & Jill Q Lounge every day. "I think it's a waste of money. The $20,000 would be better spent putting up decorative lights."