24 cameras will be installed at Waterfront Park, Big Four as first step
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 27, 2014) – Mayor Greg Fischer announced Wednesday that he’s ordered a comprehensive review to expand Louisville’s security camera network downtown, with an immediate first phase that includes 24 security cameras in Waterfront Park and on the Big Four Bridge.
The expanded network would allow police to more closely monitor activity and anticipate issues in real time.
Louisville Metro Police will undertake the review and determine where cameras would be most helpful and impactful. Police will also work with MetroSafe and The Downtown Partnership to see if there are opportunities to connect with existing security cameras operating at private businesses in the Central Business District.
In addition, the Downtown Partnership is examining ways to buy cameras in bulk, saving money through volume, and passing along those savings to downtown businesses that want to install cameras and tie them into the city network, said Rebecca Matheny, interim director of the Partnership.
“Cameras are an important tool in helping anticipate and potentially prevent violence like what our community experienced last weekend — they have been shown to be effective in other communities,” Fischer said. “Cameras alone won’t prevent crime — but they will help.”
The first phase of the camera expansion at Waterfront Park will be installed and working before Thunder Over Louisville, set for Saturday, April 12.
The Waterfront cameras, including cost of installation and running the necessary fiber connections, will cost approximately $227,000. They will be installed in strategic locations to ensure the widest possible coverage, including at parking lots, playground areas, the Big Four Bridge, and all large open grassy areas.
The cameras will be tied into the city’s network, allowing for monitoring by police and through MetroSafe, the city’s emergency communications agency.
The security cameras are one of several steps the city is taking in response to the weekend violence. The police are increasing patrols downtown — on foot, on bike, on horseback and in cruisers. In addition, the city’s Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods initiative is also working with civic, community and religious leaders to reach children and young adults to ensure they don’t get caught up in violence.
The mayor also released the following letter to citizens concerned about the recent violence. It can be viewed at: http://services.louisvilleky.gov/media/MayorFischer/dearcitizens.pdf
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