JAMESTOWN – Jamestown Police have a new tool in their toolbelt.
Chief Harry Snellings says a new mobile camera system will help officers keep an eye on large events happening around the city.
The $27,000 unit was first tested out in September. Snellings says the device will be setup at Friday’s Christmas Parade to keep an eye on the festivities.
“We’re not spying on people, it is just another safety measure that is in place,” said Chief Snellings. “God forbid if something did happen, we would have the ability to go back and review, capture that and act as another eye.”
Mounted on a 20-foot poll, the device has two cameras that connect to cellular service and transmit back to the police station, or even the chief’s cell phone.
The city already has several cameras mounted at various locations throughout town. Snellings said so far, they have proven to be a valuable tool.
“We captured some key pieces of evidence in some cases,” said Chief Snellings. “It has also been shown to be a deterrent in some areas, technology is a good thing, when it works.”
Snellings additionally explained that the device allows officers to speak directly with bystanders through a wireless speaker and can flash emergency lights.
For maximum mobility, the unit is powered via an attached solar panel.
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