A new surveillance plan at BREC parks is drawing strong opinions in Baton Rouge. During Wednesday’s “Legally Served” segment, attorney Franz Borghardt and Brian Haldane debated whether more cameras at public parks improve safety or cross a privacy line.
BREC plans major camera expansion
The discussion focused on BREC’s plan to expand surveillance across East Baton Rouge Parish parks. The system would include more than 1,500 cameras, a 24-hour monitoring center, and artificial intelligence that alerts operators when people or objects appear on screen. Some cameras would even allow staff to speak directly to people in the parks.
Supporters say the system could help stop crime, improve response times, and give investigators valuable evidence. They also argue that cameras could help in serious emergencies, from after-hours trespassing to assaults or kidnappings.
Privacy concerns remain
Borghardt said he understands the legal case for the cameras, especially from a liability standpoint. Still, he questioned whether parents would feel comfortable knowing their children are being recorded while playing in public parks. He said the concern is less about whether BREC can legally do it and more about whether it should.
That concern may not go away anytime soon. Borghardt predicted that even if BREC is legally justified, someone will likely challenge the surveillance system in court as an invasion of privacy.
Safety vs. surveillance
The debate comes down to one question: how much surveillance should the public accept in exchange for safer parks?
Supporters see cameras as a practical tool in a city where public safety resources are stretched thin. Critics worry the move pushes Baton Rouge closer to a “Big Brother” model in spaces meant for recreation and families.
For now, BREC’s plan is moving forward, but the conversation around privacy, crime, and public trust is far from over.