Lynn Police detail plan to deploy 35 fixed cameras and two quick-deploy units under gaming mitigation grant

Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy told the Public Safety and Public Health Committee on Jan. 14 that the department will install 35 fixed surveillance cameras and two quick-deploy cameras after receiving funding through the state’s gaming mitigation fund grant. The cameras were sited using crime and traffic data and input from detectives and patrol personnel, Reddy said, and the department selected vendor Lantel through the Commonwealth’s competitive process.

Reddy said the cameras are intended to help detectives and patrol officers locate and identify suspect vehicles or persons more quickly, reducing the time officers now spend canvassing block by block to find video. “The sooner we do that, the safer everyone is,” Reddy said. He said the department has a law-department-reviewed policy that mirrors standards in other communities, and that retained video will be held for a 30-day retention period and remain subject to public-records requests and Commonwealth guidelines.

Committee members asked how the cameras will be monitored, who will staff access, and how elected officials and residents can provide input to placement. Reddy said the feed will be accessible from the police communications “signal room” (where calls for service are dispatched) and from the Criminal Investigations Unit; the system will not be continuously viewed in real time except in response to specific events. Access will be limited to trained personnel and overseen by the patrol commander or the captain of detectives. He said the department expects installation to begin within one to two weeks and to be “up and running” within about six weeks, though maintenance and recurring costs will require future funding requests.

Reddy said the department chose Lantel based on experience in neighboring communities and positive references; he emphasized the city will own the cameras and will need to budget for future maintenance. He also said the new cameras are designed to complement the city’s existing Flock camera network so the two systems can be used together during investigations.

Committee members asked whether the gaming mitigation grant is a one-time award; Reddy said the grant program runs annually and the department will seek additional funding for maintenance and expansion. He encouraged an ongoing dialogue with ward councilors and residents on site recommendations once the initial installations are operating.

The presentation was informational; the committee did not take a formal vote during the meeting.