Local

Ban lifted on dock-mounted security cameras on Lake Lanier

HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Residents who have docks on Lake Lanier will now be able to put an extra set of eyes on their property.

The Army Corps of Engineers has lifted the ban on dock-mounted surveillance cameras.

Bill Persyn says there are a lot of pluses to having a dock on the lake, but there are also minuses.

He said "you name it," and thieves have taken it.

"I've had a couple of kayaks stolen, my paddleboats, rafts, gas tanks siphoned,” Perysn said.


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Many homeowners along the water have been plagued by theft. The corps, which manages the lake, has agreed to let the owners of the 10,000 plus registered docks do more to protect their property by mounting security cameras. Residents like Paul Putney, who has lost his share of stuff to thieves, said it’s about time.

"When everyone is together and a lot of security systems are in place, such as will be on this dock this weekend, you basically have a great network,” he said.

The security camera ban dates back to 2004. At the time, the corps stated it needed to protect the privacy of visitors on the lake. In the age of the smartphone, Bill Persyn said the policy’s time has passed.

"Drones. You're allowed to have your drone 100 feet in the air. When you go out in a public place, you have to go on the assumption that you're being taped,” Persyn said.

The corps took public comment on the subject. Just over 250 people who responded were in favor of the cameras, with only a handful opposed.