What do you think of Belleville’s plan to expand the number of surveillance cameras downtown?

The News-Democrat surveyed five people at the St. Clair County Building Monday about Belleville’s plan to expand the number of surveillance cameras downtown. Here’s what they had to say:

Jeffery Nesbit, 61, Collinsville, works in Belleville: “I think it’s a good idea. I think it will probably help.”

Joshua Hill, 26, Belleville: “If they feel like they think it’s necessary to keep people safe, then why not? I know some people might think the Big Brother aspect, but honestly if it’s safety, safety’s first.”

Ariana Shuman, 25, Belleville: “If it feels like they’re going to be safe at night, why not have the peace of mind?”

Morris Whitley, 48, Belleville: “Anything that will make the city more safe, I’m for it. If it protects citizens, I’m all about that.”

Connie Stanley, 61, Alorton: “So how much crime went up on Main Street? So if the crime went up, yeah. But if it’s not, what’s the purpose? If you’re going to do it, put it somewhere you’re going to have a high rate of crime. But it still will not deter people from doing crime, all they’re going to do is cover up.”

This story was originally published June 15, 2015 at 5:13 PM with the headline "What do you think of Belleville’s plan to expand the number of surveillance cameras downtown?."