Posted by
MADKNUK on Monday, May 26, 2008 12:47:37 PM
I guess my problem is that I do expect privacy on my "Private Property". And I have heard all the excuses. My concern is with fixed outdoor video cameras that are used for spying and harassing another individual and taking unauthorized video of another person children. There has been 2 additions added to the Bismarck City ordinance of "Window Peeping". Here is what the original ordinance looks like...
6-05-07 Window-Peeping
1. It is unlawful for any purpose to look, peer or peep into, or loiter in a postion or place affording a view into any window not that person's own property, with intent to annoy, harass or alram any person or in reckless disregard of the fact that any person is annoyed, harassed or alarmed.
After 6 years of complaining and the with the help of a district legislator the Bismarck City Attorney wrote this addition...
2. It is unlawful to use cameras, telescopes or binoculars to peer into any window not that person's own property with the intent to annoy, harass or alarm any person or in reckless disregard of the fact that any person is annoyed, harassed or alarmed.
3. The use of surveillance cameras is permitted. When used in residential areas, cameras must be directed or shielded in such a manner as to block out adjacent dwellings or accessory structures. A person found to be in vioaltion of this section shall be given 7 days to re-direct the cameras and failure to redirect the cameras within that time frame is an ofense.
Paragraph number 2 and 3 were written last fall and this re-written ordinance has yet to be put on the City of Bismarck meeting agenda so it can be discussed then voted on. So another 6 months of lying and spying by my neighbors. All this nonsense could have and should have been resolved 7 years ago by the City of Bismarck Commissioners. If it wasn't for their spineless unethical personalities it would have been. Their are too many dishonest people running this city. I have been accused of making people look like idiots by exposing this nonsense but people that have been asked to help and done nothing or have lied to cover up this nonsense have made themselves look like idiots. The main reason for 2 city commissioners teitring this next election is because of their unethical behavior. I can only hope that the people that replace them on the city commission have some backbone and integrity and will look at then pass the above re-written ordinance. Until this ordinance is passed anybody can use fixed outdoor security cameras to look directly into your home and take unauthorized video of your children on your private property and there is not a thing that can be done about it. This is what the Bismarck Police Department have said to me more than once,"if don't like the camera looking into your house then shut your curtains". What a thing to say. What does this say about the City Bismarck where this type of behavior is acceptable and condoned. Shameful, very shameful.