The installation of surveillance cameras in the city of Clayton will assist police reduce crime and criminal activity and gather information for investigations.
File photo
By Ron Nunnari
CLAYTON — In a collaborative effort with the city of Englewood, the city of Clayton is installing state of the art surveillance cameras at various street intersections, city buildings and parks.
Englewood has a citywide surveillance camera system that has proven effective in aiding its police department apprehend those fleeing from the scene of crimes.
Cameras have statistically proven to reduce crime and criminal activity and are a useful tool for law enforcement to gather information for investigations.
The new cameras will be strategically placed at intersections throughout Clayton providing a comprehensive view of the city’s roadways to assist law enforcement as needed.
Cameras will also be installed in city parks. Clayton has invested considerable resources to upgrade it parks. The cameras will assist in ensuring the city’s investment is protected as well as providing a sense of safety for residents visiting the parks.
Englewood granted access to its existing camera infrastructure to permit connectivity for Clayton’s new system. Englewood has 45 public cameras to provide surveillance of its roadways as well as school parking lots, according to Englewood Police Chief Cory Follick.
Clayton currently has 10 cameras with more on order. Clayton will install cameras in designated locations assisting Englewood’s current system.
According to Englewood Sgt. Mike Lang, supervisors can access views of the cameras from their in-car computers, but other officers may soon have that ability as well.
This collaborative approach will allow both cities to share cameras across both cities, which is a cost savings to both communities and provides the best regional coverage for public safety.
The city of Union also has 26 public cameras tied into Englewood’s system. Englewood Dispatch Center can access those cameras, according to Union Police Chief Mike Blackwell. Union Police monitor their cameras from the police department.
The Clayton camera project is expected to be completed in the next 12 to 18 months.
Reach Ron Nunnari at [email protected].
