A decision to install a $38,000 camera system, equipped with facial recognition technology, became the subject of controversy at a Baldwin City Council meeting Monday following objection by Councilman Maarten Venter, who said he was not in favor of the new software on the basis of principle.
The system, a product of the company Verkada, would have surveillance cameras with facial recognition capability installed both inside and outside Baldwin’s Police Department, the front of the fire department and at Mitchell Gailey Park if approved by council.
Venter’s concern underscores an ongoing 21st century debate over the capabilities of such technology and the potential violation of personal privacy.