There will be 35 cameras in fixed positions throughout the city, along with two portable units that can be temporarily deployed. The cameras will be clearly marked and mounted on traffic signals in heavily trafficked areas, according to Chief Chris Reddy. The locations have been determined using data analysis of crime and traffic patterns.
“The cameras will be an important tool to help us move quickly and effectively when responding and investigating crimes,” Reddy said. “We have had some serious incidents in the past where our detectives were going door to door looking for Ring video in trying to track down suspects.”
The cameras will be used to capture only what is in the view of the general public – defined as anything that can be viewed from a vantage point that is accessible to the public where an individual would not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. They will record video but not sound.
“This is a valuable public safety tool that will allow us to enhance public safety without impinging on individuals’ privacy,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “We appreciate the support of the Gaming Commission in implementing this initiative.”
Lynn joins several other communities north of Boston that utilize security cameras, including Salem, Revere, Chelsea, Everett, Haverhill and Lawrence. Salem started with about 20 cameras 10 years ago and now has more than 100, according to Police Chief Lucas Miller.
“We have an extraordinary record of solving crimes the last five years,” Miller said. “Almost every major incident has resulted in an arrest. In nearly every investigation, the cameras played a role. We have actually intercepted communications, mostly among drug dealers, where they decide not to do it in Salem.”
Miller acknowledged there were skeptics at first, whose concerns he understood, but they have been swayed by the results.
“We showed that the cameras are not more intrusive than regular policing,” he said, “and they did result in better investigations and a better sense of security in the community.”
That is exactly the effect Reddy is hoping for and expecting in Lynn.
“In many cases, this will help us move along investigations and hold perpetrators responsible a lot quicker,” the chief said.
The cameras will be in operation 24 hours a day but not monitored in real time at the Lynn Police Station. The daily recording will be stored for a maximum of 30 days. The recordings will be considered public record and be subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
The City has contracted with Lan-Tel Communications to supply and install the cameras. They anticipate installation to begin in the next few weeks and the hope is to have some cameras operational within six weeks, according to Reddy.
“We want people to feel safe,” Reddy said, adding that the Northern Strand bike and walking trail is an example of camera providing an extra level of security.
The cameras can also be used to investigate serious traffic accidents and instances of illegal dumping, which continues to be a problem for police and the DPW. Reddy said in the past the City has borrowed surveillance cameras from the state to address illegal dumping and it has been a very effective tool.
The City Council’s Public Safety and Public Health subcommittee was set to receive a presentation from Reddy at Tuesday’s meeting.
