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Police chief: six new multi-view cameras, LPRs and app fees funded without raising taxes
Summary
Police Chief Jamie Hancock said the department added six multi-view cameras (providing 24 views), is installing four license-plate-reader views and paid $24,500 for cameras using red-speed-camera revenue rather than general funds.
Police Chief Jamie Hancock told the Pocomoke City mayor and council the department has expanded surveillance coverage by installing six new multi-view cameras and multiple license-plate readers (LPRs), and that the equipment costs did not come from general tax revenues.
“By implementing six, we've got 24 views that we didn't have before,” Hancock said, and added that one LPR is installed with three more scheduled “within the next two weeks,” which the chief said will add additional views across the city. Hancock reported the total cost for the cameras was $24,500 and said the funds will come from revenue generated by the city’s red-speed cameras.
Hancock also discussed the department’s mobile app rollout and associated store fees. He said the department discovered App Store requirements that require an $800 annual developer fee and an additional one-time $200 in store fees to enable distribution on both Apple and Android devices.
On enforcement and public notification practices, Hancock said the department has been posting images of suspected shoplifters and consulted the state's attorney. “If we couldn't identify you ... we're gonna put you out there for everybody to see and hopefully somebody can identify you,” Hancock said, describing the department's intent to solicit community identification of suspects recorded on camera.
Hancock said surplus sales of department equipment generated more than $15,000 in recent months, and he asked the council for support on recommended trick-or-treat hours. “I would respectfully request that it does not go to 8PM,” Hancock said, recommending a 4–7 p.m. window for Halloween in city limits to reduce darkness-related safety concerns on Market Street.
Hancock told the council he will provide additional updates at the next meeting and noted the police department distributed donated costumes and will have donations available for residents.
