Calling upon the Mayor to appoint a Public Safety Video Surveillance Task Force.

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia currently ranks high amongst major cities in a number of criminal activity statistics; and

WHEREAS, Certain areas in Philadelphia have gained reputations as “hot-beds” for criminal activity, including open air drug markets, public gun violence, and gang warfare; and

WHEREAS, Such activity significantly compromises the safety and welfare of residents who dwell or work in those areas; and

WHEREAS, The use of video surveillance cameras has proven to be an effective tool to fight crime and violence; and

WHEREAS, A number of major municipalities, including New York, Baltimore, and Chicago, have experienced success by employing video surveillance camera technology in their efforts to combat crime and promote safety; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia has held hearings in City Council regarding the usage of video surveillance cameras in efforts to combat crime and promote safety and has determined that the city could benefit greatly from the placement of Public Safety Video Surveillance Cameras in certain areas of the City; and

WHEREAS, Legitimate privacy interests and the constitutional civil rights of the citizens must be considered and protected in connection with the establishment of video surveillance programs; and

WHEREAS, At the May 16, 2006 primary election, the electors of The City of Philadelphia approved, by overwhelming majority, a change to the Home Rule Charter stating that the citizens of Philadelphia believe that video surveillance has proven to be an effective tool to fight crime and violence, and to require that the City consider the use of video surveillance, in a manner that protects civil liberties and legitimate privacy interests, as part of the City’s anti-crime, anti-violence program; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That this legislative body urges the Mayor to create a

Public Safety Video Surveillance Task Force, consisting of representatives of civil rights organizations, the legal profession, community members, town watch advocates, and government to develop and advise the City regarding policies and guidelines for the use of video cameras

, in a manner that protects civil liberties and legitimate privacy interests, as part of the City’s anti-crime, anti-violence program; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk shall forward a copy of this Resolution to the Mayor for his consideration.

End