U.S. Senator Robert Casey seeking $2 million for more Pittsburgh security cameras

Thursday, April 8, 2010

U.S. Senator Robert Casey

By Adam Brandolph


Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

After touring the Mexican War Streets on the North Side this morning, U.S. Senator Robert Casey, D-Pennsylvania announced he has requested $2 million to install additional security cameras throughout the city.

"Some days you get it right. One of the ways you get it right is by investing (money) in proven strategies that work," Casey said. "One of those strategies, one of those ways of preventing crime and solving crime after its commissioned is using security cameras."

Pittsburgh currently owns 22 surveillance cameras and access to an additional 300 cameras owned by Port Authority, PennDOT and private businesses, said Gwen Moorer, project manager for the city's Information Systems department. By the end of the year, the city will install about another 70 cameras with a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, she said.

Last week a 15-second video clip from surveillance cameras at a North Side intersection led to the arrest of two teens accused of gunning down a retired city firefighter during a random robbery attempt. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl also announced last week a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University and the Community College of Allegheny County to seek a $16.5 million federal grant to buy and install 220 cameras around the city.

The $2 million Casey has requested must still pass through the Senate Appropriations Committee, the full Senate and House of Representatives.

"Every neighborhood probably wishes they could have a foot patrol or a beat patrol officer in their neighborhood and we know that's not possible," said police Chief Nate Harper. "But what is possible is having (this) technology in every neighborhood."

Source: www.pittsburghlive.com

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