Safety tool or unwarranted invasion of privacy? Necessary law enforcement device or shameless moneymaking scheme? These may be some of the questions that city councilmembers ask today in a hearing dedicated to the issue of cameras in law enforcement.

The Council’s Committee on Public Works and the Environment, chaired by Carol Schwartz (R-At Large), is debating legislation introduced by Schwartz, Phil Mendelson (D-At Large), and Sharon Ambrose (D-Ward 6) concerning the District’s six-year old program to use cameras to catch red light violators and speeders. The legislation, known as the “Automated Traffic Enforcement Amendment Act of 2005,” would require D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams to reconsider posted speed limits in areas in which the technology is used and redirect revenues from paid fines to highway upkeep, but could also spark debate as to the cameras efficacy in preventing accidents and their impact on civil liberties.

Filed Under: anthony williams, at-large, carol schwartz, carolschwartz, district, environment, law, law enforcement, lawenforcement, legislation, mayor, Mayor Anthony Williams, news, phil mendelson, Public Works, publicworks, safety, Sharon Ambrose, technology, The Council, traffic,