Council weighs lighting, cameras and expanded traffic patrols to improve public safety on Riverwalk and in parks

Lede: Riverton council members on Sept. 9 discussed an array of practical public-safety measures — more street and trail lighting, sustained camera coverage with possible AI alerts, drone imagery for planning and expanded traffic-unit patrols — aimed at reducing crime and improving perceived safety along the Riverwalk, City Park and neighborhood corridors.

Nut graf: City staff said camera installs are underway downtown and at City Park, IT and police leaders outlined technology upgrades under consideration, and council and staff discussed incremental lighting additions (estimated $3,000–$4,000 per pole depending on conduit runs), a master lighting plan and increased patrol presence in trouble spots.

Body: Councilmember Eric Carr described reports from constituents who felt unsafe on the Riverwalk and urged funding for additional lighting and improved trail connectivity. Carr said better lighting and surveillance can deter crime and help with prosecution by improving evidence collection.

City IT staff reported three cameras already cover the Riverwalk and that downtown parking-lot cameras and City Park cameras are being installed; the IT representative noted that camera systems can be configured to notify dispatch and appear on screens at the dispatch center. The police chief said cameras are valuable but “a camera is only good if you have somebody watching it,” and described planned presentations to the council about technology upgrades and staffing limits in dispatch.

Councilmembers and staff discussed AI-assisted detection and the limitations of having dispatchers watch additional feeds. The chief said AI notifications are a future possibility but reiterated staffing limits at the dispatch center. Lead dispatcher Miss Nelson and IT staff were cited as part of current monitoring arrangements.

Public-works staff member Toman provided a planning estimate of roughly $3,000–$4,000 per new light pole depending on power source and conduit runs; councilmembers suggested phasing new lights into a capital plan (for example, two or three new poles per year) and prioritizing high-need areas such as the southeast side of City Park and Riverview Road, where a reconstruction project will include five new lights.

The council also discussed patrolling and enforcement: the police department restarted a traffic unit and recently put two marked patrol vehicles into service; the chief said those officers are already issuing DUIs and citations. Councilmembers urged targeted patrols in neighborhoods with habitual speeders and repeated complaints.

Drone imagery was raised as a tool for mapping dark spots at night; staff said municipal or contracted drones can be used but noted FAA rules and staffing/contract considerations.

Ending: Council asked staff to: develop a prioritized list of lighting needs and estimated costs for a multi‑year plan; complete the camera‑technology briefing for council review; continue deployment of traffic‑unit patrols; and evaluate drone and AI monitoring options for future presentations.