According to the Statesman, 23 new security cameras are planned for police-use downtown for the purpose of “force extension”.
According to the Statesman, “the City Council unanimously agreed Thursday to accept $250,000 from the Downtown Austin Alliance for 23 cameras between Interstate 35 and Congress Avenue, north of Fifth Street and south of Seventh Street. Officials are still pinpointing the exact locations but said they hope the cameras will be rolling in the next couple of months.”
The City has been discussing the use of cameras to keep a closer eye on downtown for years. Once installed, the cameras will help the City improve surveillance in areas where police may not be present. According to the Statesman, “videos from the cameras will be monitored by watch commanders who are already on duty and help direct police throughout the city based on need. Officers on special assignments will also review the video to help combat crime trends in certain areas.”
