The average camera will cost just under $1,000. Some mobile camera trailers cost up to $7,000.
TOLEDO, OH – Toledo City Council members are considering an investment of $150,000 to purchase security cameras for 15 city parks.
The proposal is an effort by the Toledo Police Department, city administrators and the City Council to make the parks safer after a spate of crimes, including murders, on their property.
The average camera will cost just under $1,000. Some mobile camera trailers cost up to $7,000.
Since there are more than 15 city parks in the area, Councilwoman Teresa Morris, who represents the Sixth Ward, asked how TPD determines which 15 parks will have the cameras installed.
TPD said it comes down to crime data. Willis Park in west Toledo was involved in the killing Aaron Williams-Gaston on September 10 and was one of the parks designated to receive the cameras.
The remaining 14, as listed by the council:
- Navarre Park, East Toledo
- Collins Park, East Toledo
- Cullen Park, Point Place
- Detwiler Park, Point Place
- Jamie Farr Park, north Toledo
- Woodrow Wilson Park, north Toledo
- Jermaine Park, west Toledo
- Trilby Park, west Toledo
- Ottawa Park, West Toledo
- Smith Park, downtown Toledo
- Highland Park, South Toledo
- Walbridge Park, South Toledo
- Denny Thomas Park, south Toledo
- Boss Park
Councilwoman Theresa Gadus, who represents the third district, said she had issues with the location of the cameras. She said Collins Park has seen footage near the basketball courts, but the cameras are located near the golf course.
Council President Matt Cherry, who represents the second district, said the council will continue to work with TPD to finalize details and locations. He also said the cameras will be an effective tool in TPD’s toolbox moving forward.
“(It) will help contain things that might happen, or even monitor things as they happen,” Cherry said. “It’s really been a three-legged stool of teamwork to finally get to where we are, and our parks director (Joe Fausna) said it would be good. And hopefully not only with today’s legislation that we will discuss, but also maybe we will see more in the future.”
Although there was no vote at Tuesday’s council meeting, the proposal was approved for an Oct. 11 vote.
https://www.wtol.com/article/news/local/toledo-city-council-cameras-in-parks-for-safety/512-218a4c55-5d34-4a3c-a2f6-5d64fa693efb
