Has ‘Big Brother’ Come to Colorado?
Surveillance has been a very hot topic in America for more than two decades, now. Technological advances have made it easier than ever for the government, without your knowledge, to find out about you and what you're doing than ever before. Understandably, a lot of people have a lot of feelings about that kind of thing.
The federal government doesn't have a monopoly on the surveillance discussion, though. Most states have adopted varying levels of surveillance, most notably in the realm of traffic cameras. Colorado has been no exception, and a new bill headed to the governor's desk could bring more cameras to Colorado's roadways.
Senate Bill SB23-200, which left the state senate on May 4th, will allow the government to use more cameras in more areas to help regulate the flow of Colorado traffic. Previous to this legislation, traffic cameras in the Centennial State could only be set up in three very specific areas: residential, construction zones, and on any street that borders a park. SB23-200 would expand the allowed areas.
Experts point out that most research supports the idea that these traffic cameras are effective in reducing traffic incidents, making roads safer. While more Colorado roads may see new cameras, the law also stipulates that the government would have to post signage to alert drivers of their presence. The ultimate goal of this legislation is to reduce Colorado's number of traffic deaths.
Obviously, there are those that are concerned that this would create a 'surveillance state' in Colorado, with the government watching your every move. A chilling prospect, to be sure, though this particular law seems rather narrow in its scope. We'll have to wait and see what happens once the governor signs it into law.