The Stamford Independent

On Tuesday, December 19, 2006, the Public Safety and Health Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance PS27.012 amending Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances to authorize expanded use of closed circuit TV cameras. The substantial changes would include:

C. Homeland Security. CCTV Cameras, and any and all Feeds, may be used for the purpose of providing surveillance in the service of homeland security, law enforcement and prevention, and disaster preparedness and recovery in locations identified as critical assets by the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), as set forth in the DEMHS Homeland Security Initiative, as such may be amended from time to time.

D. Certain High Crime Areas. CCTV Cameras, and any and all Feeds, may be used for the purpose of providing surveillance in the service of law enforcement and prevention in areas of the City of Stamford that have experienced crime at a higher rate than the city's average crime rate, or in areas where an increase in crime is anticipated.

E. Illegal Drug Activity in Proximity to Schools, Public Housing Projects, and Child Day Care Centers. CCTV Cameras, and any and all Feeds, may be used for the purpose of providing surveillance in the service of law enforcement and prevention of illegal drug activity in locations on, or within one thousand five hundred feet of, the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school, a public housing project or a licensed child day care center that is identified as a child day care center by a sign posted in a conspicuous place.

To watch a video of the public hearing, use the following links:
hour one
hour two
hour three
hour four

Other useful links:
Chapter 7 ("Closed Circuit TV Cameras") of the Code of Ordinances (as existing)
Search the Stamford Code of Ordinances