Chatham-Kent council is being asked to approve the expansion of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in several downtowns across the municipality.
A Chatham-Kent police report going to council on Monday night is recommending an additional 35 cameras in downtown Chatham (14), Wallaceburg (8), Blenheim (4), Ridgetown (4), and Tilbury (5), at a cost of $772,920.
Police said the project called “Birds Eye View” will cost $84,461 to operate, with the capital and operating cost will be funded through reserves. Police also noted ongoing operating budget impacts will be addressed in the 2025 annual budget.
A CCTV pilot was approved by council in 2020 to improve community safety, crime prevention, and attract visitors and tourism to boost the local economy. Four CCTV cameras were installed in areas of downtown Chatham that were identified as high crime and where anti-social behavior occurred.
"These cameras are passively monitored and accessed after the fact, with signage posted at each location, notifying the public that recording is occurring in that area," read the police report.
Police also said there are no analytic capabilities and all footage must be reviewed manually back at police headquarters.
Police noted the focus of the project is to adopt a solution with analytic capabilities, adding the surveillance system pilot was not without value and benefit to the community. They said the CCTV pilot has allowed police to gather evidence, determine at-fault claims, and reduce resources and time spent locating vital evidence and video footage.
"The system is a proactive crime deterrent and provides a sense of safety and comfort for residents and businesses," police said. "Many citizens feel unsafe in downtown Chatham at night, and businesses look to the police to explore various strategies to reduce crime."
Police also said additional towns would be added to the CCTV project in the future.