The safety issue in downtown Winnipeg has become a significant topic of debate in the media and government circles, prompting the implementation of various safety strategies, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. This research examines whether individuals' perception of CCTV in public spaces influences their behaviour and sense of public safety. Based on surveillance and governmentality theories and semi-structured in-depth interviews, the study addresses these critical questions: How do individuals perceive CCTV cameras in public spaces in Winnipeg, and do their perceptions influence/shape their behaviour and sense of safety? While some participants welcomed surveillance for its potential to enhance safety, others expressed distrust, citing concerns about privacy, data insecurity, racial profiling, and civil liberties. Mixed opinions emerged regarding the cameras' effectiveness in deterring crime and influencing behavior. While participants acknowledged that surveillance cameras can create a sense of awareness that influences them to modify their behaviour and potentially discourage anti-social acts, they also voiced significant concerns about their ability to truly prevent crime, believing that criminals can devise ways to evade detection. The study highlights that public safety extends beyond technology, emphasizing the need for real-time human intervention and community-based initiatives. Although surveillance cameras are perceived as a tool for monitoring, they are not seen as sufficient to ensure safety without complementary measures such as police patrols, better lighting, community bonding, and community initiatives such as Bear Clan and the Downtown Community Safety Partnership. The study contributes to knowledge by providing a nuanced understanding of public perceptions of CCTV surveillance and its impact on safety and behaviour.