Cameras in public parks make sense

In response to the Wednesday letter writer who feels cameras installed in our local parks would be an invasion of privacy (“Cameras don’t deter crime“):

Since when is using the public park a private endeavor? The word “public” should be your first indication that you are not guaranteed any privacy. Whether you are visiting a public library, public school, or even your local supermarket, you should have no expectation of privacy. Just as some stores install mirrors to deter shoplifters, the parks department would have at least something to keep an eye on things.

If your house is furnished with extra outside lighting, and your car has an alarm, you expect that at least some forms of theft are being deterred. Although in itself it is no guarantee, it is likely that a thief will instead choose your neighbor’s house that is not so equipped. Even if the cameras did not deter a certain crime, perhaps they could identify a perpetrator and thus prevent his future crimes.

Linda Varon
Marysville