Chicago's Big Brother Gets Bigger

By aaroncynic in News on Jun 16, 2011 6:00PM

Chicago is nearly the most watched city on the planet when it comes to surveillance cameras. Between the Police Department’s 1,200 cameras and other public and private cameras, the ACLU estimates there are more than 10,000 throughout the city.

The Sun-Times reports the Public Building Commission wants to connect more buildings in the financial district to the network. In addition, the Commission disclosed that it has already installed more than 3,000 cameras at government buildings and “potential terrorist targets.” New additions will be paid for with a $650,000 Homeland Security grant.

Mayor Emanuel called the additions to the network an important part of the city’s security, saying “Work’s been done. We should complete it because it’s identified as important in the Homeland Security reports.”