NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Anne Aldrich
September 11, 2006 (661) 723-6053
Security Cameras to Lead to Safer Parks
Lancaster, September 11, 2006 – Whether it’s a softball tournament at the Big 8, a cool down swim at Myrtie Webber pool or a family picnic at one of the many other facilities, Lancaster’s parks facilities are a favorite destination of residents.
The City of Lancaster knows that in order for residents to enjoy their time in the City’s parks, the parks must be a safe place for the whole family. The City of Lancaster, together with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lancaster Station, is implementing a multi-faceted effort to increase security at park facilities throughout Lancaster.
One of the first stages of this program is the installation of security cameras at various parks and facilities in the City of Lancaster. The City is working with the same company that recently installed security cameras in the Pentagon and that also provided security cameras for several Las Vegas Casinos.
Security cameras serve the three-fold purpose of apprehension, prosecution and deterrence. The Lancaster Sheriff’s Department will have 24-hour access to feed from the cameras on their personal computers. Deputies and City staff will also be able to manipulate the cameras they monitor. From their personal computers they can tilt, pan and zoom to survey the surrounding areas. Some cameras can be rotated a full 360 degrees. Some of the systems can be moved from park to park allowing for additional surveillance as situations indicate.
The cameras will do more than make it possible to detect a problem. If an incident arises at a facility and deputies are called, the Sheriff’s Department can use feed from the cameras to asses what type of response and how many officers are needed even before they arrive at the scene.
Each camera is also capable of storing a month’s worth of data that can be used during investigations. This can assist Sheriffs in identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of crime and vandalism even if they are not detained at the scene of the incident.
While the functions of detection and prevention are important, City officials hope that the primary function of the cameras will be deterrence. With security cameras reporting every movement to Sheriff and City personnel, would-be criminals will think twice before causing trouble in the parks. The added surveillance will also allow visitors to feel more secure during their time at the park.
This in itself makes for safer parks, explained Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Arts Bob Greene. “If people feel safe in parks, they will take advantage of the opportunities for recreation each park provides. That means there will be more activity, and, generally speaking, more activity leads to a safer environment.”
The total cost for the purchase and installation of the new security cameras will be about $77,000. “This is a worthwhile investment of City funds,” said Mayor Bishop Henry Hearns, “safety is a priority for the entire City Council. With all the beautiful facilities Lancaster has to offer, we want to make sure that residents feel secure in our parks.”
Increasing safety efforts does not end with the cameras. The City of Lancaster is implementing other innovative safety measures such as permanently staffing park locations with Rangers during certain shifts and implementing Directed Patrols, using the best of the City’s efforts in trouble areas. “With dedication and creativity, we can continue to make Lancaster a safe place to work and play,” said Mayer Hearns.
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