Rockford City Council unanimously approves 6 more surveillance cameras

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Six more surveillance cameras will be added to the 30 already around Rockford after City Council unanimously approved them to keep the community safe.

“The cameras have proved invaluable with us over the years in regards to helping to identify suspect vehicles and helping to solve crimes,” said Rockford Police Department’s Chief Carla Redd.

Police want to continue adding to their crime-fighting arsenal and have more technology that can help with investigations.

“They’ve been great as an investigative tool, so we’re always looking to enhance that,” said Redd.

“It really allows the police a better sense about kind of what criminal activities are going on overall,” said City of Rockford Second Ward Alderman Jonathan Logemann. “So I think it’s fighting crime and combating crime is always a multi-tiered approach. You’ve got to use all the different tools in your tool kit.”

The Flock Safety Condor PTZ Cameras will cost $94,500 and the contract with Flock Inc. is 54 months long.

The funding also includes services and electrical implementation. The placement of the cameras will be determined by intel and data accumulated by officials.

“So, it’s some intelligence involved in regards to selecting those locations,” said Redd. “So there is a sequence of things that we look at in determining where they will be placed.”

“Everyone’s always talking about property taxes and how do we feel safe in our community. So, you know, I’m a teacher, every student deserves to feel safe in their home,” said Logemann. “Every resident and neighbor deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood. And so I think every member of city council really understands that.”

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