It is a copy-book maxim that the state exists in order to protect its citizens and its law enforcement subdivision deals with the issue of protecting them from inner dangers, i.e. criminals that may harm them or their property. The methods, which can be used by police, however, are much more controversial issue.
In many cases we may see that the law enforcement system exceeds the range of duties it is supposed to attend to. The usage of cameras spying on the citizens is one of such cases. Yes, it may in some cases make the work of police easier and more effective. But the citizen like me does not care about it. This citizen cares for the fact that the existence of these cameras makes it possible for the police or any other officials to follow his movements if somebody wishes so. He doesn’t have anything to hide, but doesn’t want to share his personal life with anybody – so, what right do the officials have to invade his privacy? I repeat – law enforcement exists to make my life as a citizen safer and not for the convenience of the police. It is up to me to decide whether I want to impart any information with them or not.
It makes the law enforcement easier, all right; but what else can make it easier? To implant a GPS marker into the body of every citizen to make it easier to find him if need arises? To plant bugs into every person’s apartment to know what he talks about when he is at home? To place a telescreen in his living room, so that the Big Brother could watch him without effort? Where is the line after which the state exceeds the limits of its authority?