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Council discusses Axon dash cameras and placement of city speed and red-light cameras
Summary
Deputy Chief of Police introduced a purchase of two Axon dash cameras for new traffic vehicles. Councilors pressed DPW staff on how dash cams activate, how traffic-camera sites were chosen by engineers, visibility concerns and the city'wide 60-day warning period before fines begin on Nov. 2.
Deputy Chief of Police Richafort told the Syracuse City Council that Item 13 is an agreement with Axon to outfit two newly acquired traffic vehicles with dash cameras. "Item 13 is an agreement with Axon to provide, price with, 2 additional dash cameras," he said.
Councilors pressed for technical and policy details about both the in-car dash cameras and the separate program of speed and red-light enforcement cameras. One councilor asked, "How does the dash cam work? Does it work automatically come on when you turn the lights on or something?" Richafort said he would confirm the department's policy and the device settings.
Connor, a transportation/DPW staff member, described how site selection for the fixed cameras was determined: "They worked with the traffic engineers from the Fisher engineers who were hired by Genoptic to determine the best locations based on a variety of transportation factors, proximity to the schools, the right locations, traffic volumes," he said, stressing multiagency involvement in placement decisions.
Several councilors expressed that some camera siting appeared puzzling in practice and asked to be consulted on district locations before fines are issued. One councilor said placement at Fowler and Geddes Street was "puzzling," noting that many students enter from Wilbur and asked why a camera was placed on the other street. Connor answered that the city is reviewing locations and compliance and that some interpretation remains about appropriate school-zone lengths.
Councilors and staff repeatedly raised visibility and public-notice concerns. A councilor asked about vegetation and signage, suggesting pruning and clearer markings so drivers can see signs and cameras: "these cameras are so far into trees...you could even barely see them." Connor acknowledged the balance between property owners' concerns and providing compliant signage for motorists and described the program as evolving.
Staff confirmed the program is now in a warning period and said enforcement changes are scheduled. "The the the 60 day warning period will end on November 2," Connor said, and staff noted the city planned to monitor behavior during the warning period before fines begin and to adjust locations and signage as needed.
Councilors asked that the administration consult district councilors about final sites and urged a committee meeting to review side-street impacts, winter driving concerns and whether fines should be delayed until a comprehensive review is complete. Several councilors asked for continued updates as the program moves from warnings to active fines.
