Statesboro approves security cam incentive for Copper Beech, Cambridge apartments

STATESBORO, Ga. (WSAV) – The Statesboro City Council approved three applications for their Security Incentive program for Cambridge at Southern (Pines & Palms) and Copper Beech apartments.

“We’re always gonna do our part,” said Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead. “The management has to do their part, too, and that is to properly screen their tenants and not tolerate bad behavior.”

The city’s program is designed to encourage complexes to ramp up their security by adding security cameras, which would be connected directly to the police department’s FUSUS system. After the installation, the city would reimburse them up to $20,000.

“I think when you compare the quality and the price and the performance and how it helps us to fight crime immediately, to me it’s a no-brainer,” said Broadhead.

News 3 went to Copper Beech to see how secure residents felt inside their homes.

“It could be a lot better,” said Sam McNure, a resident at Copper Beech. “The cop that got shot, [it] literally happened right outside our door.”

McNure says he’s had a few friends that have had items stolen out of their cars outside. He says when those interactions become violent, it can be scary.

“I grew up around guns, but just knowing that people are being unsafe with them… it makes me uncomfortable.”

Broadhead says the cameras work as a deterrent first, but after a crime, they help police make important connections in a case.

“We do struggle that people don’t want to be witnesses against other people,” said Broadhead.

“Well, somebody’s going to have to be a witness, so the camera is the silent, unblinking witness… The camera gives you up-to-date, immediate, and 100% accurate information.”

Broadhead tells News 3 that before they can qualify for the application, the complexes have already had to get the ball rolling with companies that could install cameras.