If a new plan goes into affect, the Portland City Council may have surveillance cameras installed in the Old Town and China Town districts.

It is the belief of the Council that doing this will make it easier to identify criminals and even deter theft and crime in the area. They also have determined the area is a spot where illegal drugs are bought and sold, often, giving even more reason to keep track of activity there.

However, groups like the American Civil Liberties Union or Oregon aren't pleased with the idea saying that the cameras are just an invasion of privacy and that there's no guarantee they will prevent any sort of crime.

(Source)