Council member Carol Wood shares info about crime prevention cameras

[Wes Thorp]

At last night's--Sep. 27--meeting of the Averill Woods Neighborhood Association, City Council member Carol Woods shared information and her views about the purchase and installation of cameras to fight crime in the city and about the level of police department staffing.

Notes from her comments include:

• The live feeds from the 11 high definition cameras installed in high crime areas would not be viewed on a full-time basis. They would be viewed as circumstances warranted. But, no one would be monitoring the video feeds on a full-time basis.

• Maintenance for the cameras would be $50,000 per year and the lifespan of the camera equipment would be five years.

• The cameras would have been of minimal help in preventing the homicides that took place during the summer, including the murder of her mother, Ruth Hallman.

She expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the cameras for the city and talked about the need for the city to hire more police officers.

There was a question and answer period where Averill Woods members expressed their concerns.

[Bill Matt]

As a member of the Public Safety Committee, I put forward a budget recommendation for 2008 for additional PATROL officers. Not just officers, but officers on the streets.

I respectfully disagree with Carol's point of view on the cameras, and my reasons are outlined on my website www.billmatt.org

In addition, while Averill and Colonial Village seem very safe, neighbors at intersections like Jolly and Waverly are begging for cameras. These residents need assistance, and I want to provide it for them.