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Are city surveillance cameras working? Evaluation overdue

The city of Williamsport has had surveillance cameras in five parks for the past four years.

There have been fewer than five arrests directly attributed to the cameras, which are designed to stop crime in the parks and provide evidence that leads to charges when crimes occur.

“We’re not sure we’re getting nearly $500,000 worth of value,” Councilman Don Noviello said.

Given the modest results, city leaders are considering moving most of the cameras to streets in high-crime neighborhoods.

Police can establish where those neighborhoods are through its records-management system, which can pinpoint crimes down to one block.

There is one incalculable factor regarding the cameras. Councilman Joel Henderson cautioned that deterrence cannot be measured. The cameras also work to provide footage after-the-fact that police might be able to use.

Councilman Clifford “Skip” Smith, chairman of council public works and public safety committees, asked the police department to produce a written report on the best use, the cost for maintenance of the camera system since September and reasons that relocation to streets would be more beneficial.

In our view, that report should guide council’s decision making regarding the surveillance camera system.

Whatever police can show makes the most practical sense is what should be done.

Mayor Gabriel J. Campana says he’d like to see at least one camera remain in each of the parks, which may be wise.

But it’s probably fair to say city officials were expecting more definitive results from surveillance cameras in the parks.

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