Officials from the City of Mount Vernon got together at City Hall on March 18 to announce the launch of a new Public Safety Camera Program that will see 400 free cameras distributed to Mount Vernon residences. There also will be a second phase in which cameras will be offered to businesses. Also planned is the rollout of a red light camera program on city streets.
“As we continue to invest in the safety and well-being of our community, the Public Safety Camera Program represents a critical step in our efforts to deter crime, protect families, and create a safer Mount Vernon,” said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. “These cameras will serve as both a deterrent and a vital tool in solving crimes, helping law enforcement respond more effectively while fostering a stronger partnership between the city and its residents.”
Federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will be used for the cameras. The residential cameras are expected to cost $61,800 in ARPA funds. Residents and property owners can go online to the city’s website to apply to participate in the program.
Deputy Police Chief Greg Addison said that those who do take part will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding with the city. They will be required to turn over video recorded by the cameras to the police department upon request and will be constrained from otherwise releasing it for seven days so as not to interfere with a police department investigation into a possible crime that has been captured on-camera.
“If people (criminals) know there are cameras in residential neighborhoods they are lass likely to go to those neighborhoods,” Addison said. “Witnesses are very good … video runs 24/7 and will allow us to reconstruct what occurred. Based upon where the camera is located we’ll be able to go and identify suspects based upon appearance, vehicles and potentially witnesses.”
Addison explained that the cameras will give residents and property owners the ability to actively monitor what it happening on the outside. He said that when the cameras are set up they will be aimed to avoid picking up what may take place inside of a residence.
The Public Safety Camera Program was described as having three main objectives:
- Promote Community Safety: Enhance security and deter crimes such as theft, home break-ins, reckless driving, vandalism, and illegal dumping;
- Empower Residents to Actively Participate in Crime Prevention Efforts: Equip residents with tools to improve neighborhood safety and security;
- Strengthen Law Enforcement Partnerships: Build trust and collaboration between the Mount Vernon Police Department and the community.
Patterson-Howard said that over the next few weeks there will be a series of community town halls dedicated to public safety. She said crime statistics, key safety initiatives and the rollout of the Public Safety Camera Program will be discussed.
“Crime prevention and quality life are very critical to the safety of a community,” Patterson-Howard said. “Security cameras serve as a critical deterrent against porch theft and package theft, home break-ins and property crimes, reckless driving and speeding in our residential neighborhoods, illegal dumping and vandalism of properties, stealing of cars and car parts. They create a safer and more secure environment for families and businesses.”
