Update on ShotSpotter, CCTV Cameras

A program that would pinpoint gunshots and convey information to police is nearing implementation, Police Director Martin Hellwig told the City Council Thursday.

The ShotSpotter program, first introduced in the summer of 2010, won City Council approval in August 2011 after offering a $169,000 lease plan instead of a $1 million purchase proposal. But instead of a 90-day "turnkey" installation, the program faltered over conflicts with use of utility poles. (See Plaintalker post here.) In answer to Councilman William Reid's question at budget talks, Hellwig said PSE&G resolved the problem by offering to put up 24 utility poles at no cost for the ShotSpotter sensors, which he said will be operative as of June 1.

Reid also asked about closed circuit television cameras that that been promised for about a decade to help fight crime. Among concerns that stalled that program were whether civilians or police should monitor the cameras and where the monitoring would take place. The ill-fated city-owned basement of the former Tepper's building was considered and rejected. Finally the city appropriated funds to renovate a section of police headquarters for monitoring the cameras. Construction started "the day before yesterday," Hellwig said Thursday.

Hellwig said officials are working with vendors for the "best possible situation," wireless cameras to cover the entire city. The cost might be covered by use of confiscated money from arrests, he said. The camera system may be in place by next year, Hellwig said.

--Bernice