Snohomish police chief proposes street cameras
SNOHOMISH, Wash. -- The local police chief says he's fed up with drunken brawls that break out in the city's Historic District.
Chief John Turner has come up with a plan to reclaim the streets, but some say the chief is going too far.
Turner wants to install surveillance cameras on street corners as a way to keep a closer eye on the troublesome district.
"If people are held accountable they are not likely to do it again. And that's how cameras can be a preventative tool," he said.
But not all bar owners are ready to have their customers monitored.
"Our concern, of course, is because our patrons are concerned," said Bill Wildrick of Sports Page Grille & Bar.
"Naturally we talk to a lot of people in this sort of environment, and we hear terms such as 'Big Brother who's watching us now.'"
Wildrick, who says downtown businesses are already suffering, worries cameras won't help.
"I think it certainly could be a disincentive (sic), yes," he said.
The issue comes down to how much privacy people are willing to sacrifice for additional safety.
Zouhair Mardini, owner of Mardini's Restaurant, says he's sick of the problems. Mardini, who now has a private surveillance system, says he is willing to give the chief's idea a try.
"So if installing cameras is a part of that tool - is part of what's going to bring us that safety - and in the process maybe we're going to lose some privacy, well, let it be," he said.
Turner is working a number of fronts, including outreach and education to ensure area bartenders are serving responsibly.
"It's in everybody's best interests to make this street a viable street and a safe place for everyone," he said.
Many bar owners say they're reserving judgment on the camera proposal for now, and the city says it wants to partner up with those businesses before moving forward on the idea.
Chief John Turner has come up with a plan to reclaim the streets, but some say the chief is going too far.
Turner wants to install surveillance cameras on street corners as a way to keep a closer eye on the troublesome district.
"If people are held accountable they are not likely to do it again. And that's how cameras can be a preventative tool," he said.
But not all bar owners are ready to have their customers monitored.
"Our concern, of course, is because our patrons are concerned," said Bill Wildrick of Sports Page Grille & Bar.
"Naturally we talk to a lot of people in this sort of environment, and we hear terms such as 'Big Brother who's watching us now.'"
Wildrick, who says downtown businesses are already suffering, worries cameras won't help.
"I think it certainly could be a disincentive (sic), yes," he said.
The issue comes down to how much privacy people are willing to sacrifice for additional safety.
Zouhair Mardini, owner of Mardini's Restaurant, says he's sick of the problems. Mardini, who now has a private surveillance system, says he is willing to give the chief's idea a try.
"So if installing cameras is a part of that tool - is part of what's going to bring us that safety - and in the process maybe we're going to lose some privacy, well, let it be," he said.
Turner is working a number of fronts, including outreach and education to ensure area bartenders are serving responsibly.
"It's in everybody's best interests to make this street a viable street and a safe place for everyone," he said.
Many bar owners say they're reserving judgment on the camera proposal for now, and the city says it wants to partner up with those businesses before moving forward on the idea.