Commissioner Wesley Wright will bring a proposal to fellow commissioners Thursday (8.8.19) to install 30 security cameras around the City for a 90-day trial period.
Believing that residents want a safer Lakeland, Commissioner Wright recommended a 30-day trial period of one security camera in the City at the June 26th BOC (Board of Commissioners) meeting and the resolution was approved.
After meeting with Nicklaus Bloom with Flock Safety, Commissioner Wright agreed on more cameras and a longer trial period. This proposal will be presented to commissioners at the next BOC meeting: 5:30 p.m. Thursday (8.8.19) at City Hall.
“The item I have on next Thursday’s agenda is a 30-camera system in Lakeland with a 90-day trial period. The cameras will be positioned at major corridors and points of access as well as some parks and areas of concern,” said Commissioner Wright.
“After some discussion with Flock, they proposed a 90-day-out clause. This time frame will give us and SCSO (Shelby County Sheriff’s Office) a good sense of how the system impacts crime in Lakeland.
“We want this security system to display our town’s commitment to reducing crime, giving comfort to citizens, assistance to SCSO in solving crimes and sending a message to those who have ill intentions within our borders. We want to take a proactive stance on crime prevention and position ourselves among the most forward-thinking towns in the Mid- South.”
At the June meeting, Mr. Bloom said the cameras provide a “full vehicle fingerprint” which captures the make, model and color of a vehicle along with the license plate. Annual cost of each camera is $2,000, according to Mr. Bloom.
Commissioner Wright said he is working with Flock and City staff for placement of the cameras. “Flock has an experienced team which uses data to decipher the ideal locations.”
Commissioner Wright’s suggestions for placement of some of the cameras
Fletcher Trace Parkway and U.S. Highway 64
Forrest Edge Drive and Highway 64
Davies Plantation Road and Highway 64
Lakeland Hills Drive and Highway 64
Canada Road and Highway 64
Walker Springs Drive and Highway 64
Cobb Road and Highway 64
Chambers Chapel and Highway 64
Monroe Road and Chambers Chapel Road
Memphis Arlington Road and Chambers Chapel Road
“Those are the first 10 that clearly establish a perimeter in the south and east. The positioning of the other 20 will cover the north and west perimeter and interior corridors with access to I-40, Canada, Seed Tick, 70 and other thoroughfares in mind.”
Asked about a timeframe, Mr. Bloom said “white flagging” of locations could begin in two weeks following BOC approval, with cameras up and running in early September.
SCSO
The SCSO is aware of the planned cameras, said Commissioner Wright. “We have not talked at length but will as they will belong to the city of Lakeland and we will allow SCSO access. No person will monitor them live. Software will play a role in tracking license plates that have been flagged or other criteria local police authorities have recommended be detected. The SCSO releases a monthly report. We will compare month by month in what should show a gradual decline in criminal activity each month. Not only should this system prevent crime but also assist SCSO in solving crimes.”
Funding
To fund the cameras after the trial period, Commissioner Wright said he will work with City Manager Shane Horn and Finance Director Kyle Wright. He said grant money would be a possibility.
Why this project?
“This has been passion of mine since I moved from Midtown six years ago and saw the impact security cameras have on crime. There is an obvious correlation in the reduction of criminal activity when a street, neighborhood or municipality implement security camera systems.
“I have been working for a long time, trying to develop a municipal camera system as an elected official and the idea has gone though a multitude of variations. Between last year and earlier this year, I had several new viable options presented to me that were more cost effective than systems used throughout Shelby County that most citizens are probably familiar with.
“What we have here with Flock is the most practical, effective and consumer friendly system that has been adopted by municipalities across the south with positive assessments.”
… Photo by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
