DENVER -- When the Democratic National Convention rolls into Denver next month, a string of electronic eyes will be tuned in to any problems.

"We're using the cameras in a very targeted way during the convention and potentially after the convention," said Denver City Councilman Doug Linkhart.

On Monday, the Denver City Council approved an agreement with Avrio Group worth $947,364 to install and maintain a wireless camera system.

The new cameras will expand the existing High Activity Location Observation system known as HALO already in use.

A Denver police lieutenant in charge of the program would not comment on the number or placement of the cameras, citing security reasons.

"We're able to not only utilize those cameras, but dispatch officers to where we see events occurring,” said Lt. Ernie Martinez.

The cameras will be installed throughout Denver in time for the DNC in August. Federal money will eventually be used to repay the city.

Critics of the government-owned cameras include the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado.

Cathryn Hazouri questioned the effectiveness of the cameras, and cited a London study that showed the cameras did not result in a reduction of crime.

"The best it does is perhaps move the crime into another neighborhood," Hazouri said, and added the cameras are not a substitute for uniformed officers patrolling certain areas.

Lt. Martinez said the cameras would comprise just one piece of a security strategy. Saturation patrols will focus on areas where criminals might relocate to avoid being caught on camera, Martinez said.

Hazouri said Denver officials have heard additional concerns relating to privacy.

"I must say the Denver police has assured us there is technology on these cameras that will prevent them from looking in to homes, windows and store fronts,” Hazouri said. “As long as that's in place, that's a little bit better," Hazouri continued.

Denver won’t be alone focusing on public areas. Recent news reports indicated New York has installed around 2,000 cameras, Washington D.C. has 5,000 cameras, and 500,000 cameras are posted around London.

"I don't think Denver will be London any time soon," Linkhart said while failing to speculate on how many cameras could soon be perched in parts of Denver.

Proponents of the cameras said a similar system installed along Colfax Avenue by a neighborhood group successfully removed drug dealers and prostitutes who once loitered there.

Lt. Martinez said additional grants could be used to expand the program after the DNC. Technology being considered includes a system that allows video images to be fed to computers in patrol officer’s cars, Martinez said.

7NEWS heard mixed opinions when talking with locals enjoying Washington Park Tuesday.

"(In) public places, I'm for seeing everything you can see," said Denver resident Kris Hager, who witnessed demonstrators clash with police at Chicago’s democratic convention in 1968.

Hager said if the cameras work, they should remain in Denver after the DNC.

Kristin Lessar told 7NEWS she wasn’t so sure.

"It's just that notion of someone watching your movements, it's kind of creepy," Lessar said.

Lt. Martinez wants the public to feel comfortable.

"What it does is enhance our safety and security," Martinez said.