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"1984" Revisited: NYPD Surveillance Cameras Going Up All Over Borough Did you ever have the feeling you're being watched? Well, if you live in the NYPD's Brooklyn South area, the chances are good that you ARE! According to 69th Precinct sources, a program that was implemented a few months ago in housing projects throughout the city has now been expanded to regular precinct areas. And, whereas many of the housing programs have not been implemented yet, the NYPD initiative is a work in progress and has already been established in many sections. Official sources said that, currently, there are "dozens" of locations where surveillance cameras are located in the local area. "They're capable of all those things you've heard about," one official said. Although he would not give specific details on the program, he said it is "expanding daily," not just within the Canarsie precinct, but in neighboring areas, including the 67th, 75th and 63rd precincts, and others within Brooklyn South. "These cameras are worked through a closed circuit capability," he added, "where we are able to zoom in for a close-up on a subject or keep the shot wide, depending on what the circumstances are. Not only that, but the tapes that these are being recorded on will be kept - for a reasonable time - so we can refer back to them if we have to." The cameras are being monitored by police on a 24-hour basis. The program is called Operation Argus, according to authorities. The unnamed police source said more details will be announced officially at various meetings in the community, including the 69th Precinct Community Council meeting at the end of November. Meanwhile, when asked whether the so-far "secret" program might be akin to Orwell's "1984," where Big Brother - the Establishment - sees everything the public does, the official said, "Yes, of course." But when NYPD officials were asked if the program is an invasion of privacy, they said, "Definitely not."
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