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The art of the tango
University of Victoria researchers develop security software that tracks keyboard users’ tendencies. Page A3
Victoria’s annual tango festival enters its fifth year of providing Latin sizzle at downtown venues. Page A11
Friday, August 3, 2012
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Researchers’ work prompts VicPD privacy investigation Use of licence plate scanning technology questioned Daniel Palmer News staff
Is Big Brother really watching you? Three Victoria privacy advocates have spent the past two years trying to answer that question, digging up scraps of information on a controversial police technology called the automated licence plate recognition system. “We have been stymied at every level,” said Chris Parsons, a University of Victoria PhD candidate specializing in privacy issues. The device uses police cruisermounted cameras to automatically capture up to 3,000 licence plates per hour. It then notifies officers of a “hit” on uninsured and prohibited owners, as well as stolen vehicles. The technology is used throughout British Columbia and is administered by the RCMP. In Greater Victoria, Chris Parsons VicPD, Saanich police and the Integrated Road Safety Unit use it regularly. What makes the program so concerning to critics is that data collected from “non-hit” vehicles is kept on encrypted RCMP servers for two years. Although it’s not used, the information could be referenced for investigative purposes to retrace vehicle movements. The RCMP insists such actions are not taking place, but the Mountie in charge of the program, Supt. Denis Boucher, said his office is considering expanding the program. “It’s called function creep,” Parsons said. “That means every citizen that drives, (police) want to be able to track who they are and where they’re at.” PLEASE SEE: Plate reader data use, Page A8
Sharon Tiffin/News staff
Bubble gum blues Athena Neill, 5, left, her sister Sophie, 3, and friend Anna Mae Walker, 5, enjoy bubble gum-flavoured ice cream cones Tuesday at Fisherman’s Wharf. Warm temperatures are forecast for this B.C. Day long weekend, which will prompt many residents to seek opportunities like this to cool off.
Council weighs risks, public input on bridge project Daniel Palmer News staff
Input from more than 200 people will help shape the future design of the $92.8-million Johnson Street Bridge and its entrances. Their suggestions include calls for greater emphasis on landscaping, art installations and traffic-calming measures. During a special meeting of council’s governance and priorities committee last week, Coun. Pam Mad-
off said the $1.3 million earmarked for public-realm considerations may not be sufficient to fund the desired elements. Council also heard an update on the risk assessment for the bridge replacement project. Dwayne Kalynchuk, director of engineering and public works, discussed insurance risks and legal concerns with council. He confirmed that insurance coverage has also been finalized.
Formal proposals from three construction bidders are expected to be received by Aug. 17, which will give council a clearer sense of ceiling costs. The contract process will then see closed-door meetings held with city staff and bidders to optimize design features. The general building contract will then be awarded, allowing construction to begin before the end of 2012. dpalmer@vicnews.com