Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Park Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lebanon parks installs facial‑recognition cameras, bans repeat offenders after vandalism at inclusive playground
Summary
After gates were repeatedly torn off an ADA‑accessible playground and other vandalism, Lebanon City Parks said it has installed advanced cameras and issued trespass bans for identified offenders; staff urged residents to report incidents to police or park staff.
Lebanon City parks officials said vandalism to a newly installed all‑inclusive playground prompted stepped‑up security measures, including facial‑recognition cameras, prosecutions and trespass bans for identified offenders.
"We have 57 cameras just at this park alone," said John Messenger, parks director, and he said cameras and recording have helped identify people responsible for vandalism and other bad behavior. Messenger said the department has trespassed 49 people (children and adults) from the parks system and pursues restitution and prosecution where appropriate.
Messenger described two recent incidents in which gates at the ADA‑accessible playground were ripped off and required repairs. He said the first gate repair cost about $1,700 and the second about $2,300; parts can have long lead times, he added.
Allison Morton, programs director, described the department's new facial‑recognition cameras and tests underway: "I believe we're the first one in the state of Indiana with this type of camera. We have 3 or 4 in the park. Yes. One specifically at the entrance of the water park," Morton said. She said the system can alert staff if a person previously flagged as trespassed returns to a monitored entrance.
Officials urged the public to report criminal or unsafe behavior. Morton said if an incident is in progress or an immediate danger exists callers should dial 911; during park hours residents may also report incidents in person at the park office or leave a voicemail to prompt staff follow‑up.
Messenger said the department works with the county prosecutor and local law enforcement to seek restitution and criminal charges when warranted. He added that some individuals may be allowed to return after community service or other conditions, but currently 49 people are banned from the system.
The parks department framed the cameras and bans as efforts to protect facilities and users. "We're just protecting our investment," Messenger said. Officials did not provide technical specifications, retention policies or written privacy rules for the facial‑recognition system on the podcast; those details were not specified.
