At the November Board of Commissioners meeting, a resolution was presented to allocate funding for at least 5 additional security cameras around Lakeland. The cameras, which record high-definition footage of its surroundings, including passing vehicles and tags, are a security measure taken to help deter and solve crimes. Lakeland already has 20 such cameras thru an agreement with Flock Safety of Atlanta, GA. That contract was approved back in November of 2019.
The most recent resolution would approve funding for more cameras at the approximate cost of $2,500 for each camera and installation. According to Commissioner Wesley Wright, the new security cameras would be placed in areas that tend to get more traffic and crime in Lakeland. “I think some of the cameras should go on the Highway 64 corridor. But I’d also like to see one on William Little Drive since that has access into Lakeland from Bartlett coming out of Davies Plantation,” Commissioner Wright told Lakeland Currents.
Lt. David Ballard, with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, is expected to be at the December Board of Commissioners’ work session to discuss the topic. That meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 2nd at 5:30. Lt. Ballard is expected to give a presentation and make suggestions for the best implementation for the new cameras.
According to Commissioner Wright, the Shelby County Sherriff’s Office has always endorsed the camera system since it’s a valuable tool they have access to in the event of a crime. Lakeland is the first municipality in the area to have the flock security system, but it can be better says Mr. Wright. “It’s a great system, we just need to strengthen it.”
