Some residents of a Long Island town are feeling an Orwellian vibe after the local government quietly rolled out a massive surveillance system that allows officers in one main control room to tap live feeds from hundreds of cameras, read license plates and track movements.
The high-tech hub, unveiled this month in Smithtown, allows public safety officials to collect real-time feeds from more than 250 cameras in city parks, marinas and municipal buildings, track vehicle movements and even receive automated alerts – all from one centralized command center.
“We’re screwed,” said Steven, a Smithtown resident who didn’t want to share his last name for fear Big Brother would “get” him.
“Big Brother is here and watching – there’s no denying it,” he joked, likening the system to the all-seeing surveillance eye that watches people’s every move in George Orwell’s dystopian novel: “1984.”
The behind-the-curtain system was envisioned by Smithtown leaders as an emergency response and crime-fighting tool to deter criminals.
But Steven and other critics warn that the alleged overreach gives the government unprecedented insight into residents’ daily lives, with little clarity about surveillance, data retention or how the footage is used.
“It will not prevent any crime, it is Orwellian and will contribute 100% to turning us into a police state, and it will only get worse,” said another Smithtown resident, who asked not to share his name, also out of fear of the government.
The system came with a price tag of more than $266,000, of which $200,000 was covered by a federal grant from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. But the local resident warned it is only a matter of time before the city looks to recoup its investment.
“I feel like I’m being watched, and I’m sure they’ll eventually figure out how to use that system to fine us for every little thing and empty our pockets without even leaving the room,” he added.
However, local officials have remained adamant they are not using the tech upgrades to spy on anyone – saying the investment has in fact already had a positive impact.
“This upgrade literally saved lives,” said Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
In just one week, the system has helped locate disabled boaters and swimmers in distress and provided “critical support” during police investigations at city parks, city leaders urged.
And some residents, whom critics called “sheep,” actually support the additional upgrades, telling The Post it makes them feel safer.
“More safety can’t be a terrible thing,” Mike Preston said.
“Unless you’re doing something illegal, I don’t think you really have to worry,” he added.
Rigo Lorenzo, who works in the area, pointed out that all our information is already online and we can easily be tracked through our phones – so he doesn’t understand the hysteria.
“I think it’s a win for the community,” Lorenzo said.
