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Council approves up to $150,000 from TED fund to buy crime cameras, cautions on recurring costs
Summary
Council committees approved appropriating up to $150,000 from the Traffic Enforcement Detail fund to buy crime cameras; police said cameras aided arrests and estimated recurring cellular/maintenance costs of about $6,000 annually for the planned ~16 locations.
Crowley — City committees approved appropriating funds from the Traffic Enforcement Detail (TED) Revenue Fund to buy crime cameras, and the Revenue & Finance Committee approved an appropriation not to exceed $150,000.
Police Chief Troy Hebert told members the department has used cameras successfully — citing an arrest aided by neighboring Lafayette’s camera footage — and recommended adding roughly 16 fixed locations plus a trailer‑mounted camera for events. Hebert estimated recurring fees for cellular service and related costs could add roughly $6,000 per year depending on siting and satellite options.
“Studies have shown wherever the cameras are at, they have a 75% reduction in crime,” Hebert said, noting cameras, proactive patrol and other measures have combined to drive certain crime rates down.
Council members and the mayor raised concern about ongoing costs: the mayor reminded the group that the purchase is a one‑time cost but that each camera can create monthly fees (cell service, electricity, pole rental) that must be budgeted from the general fund or another revenue source. Chief Hebert said the department is exploring satellite connections, PTZ (pan‑tilt‑zoom) options for the pavilion, and building a trailer camera to reduce costs.
The public safety committee moved and referred the item to Revenue & Finance, and Revenue & Finance later approved the appropriation up to $150,000 and the referral for funding details.
Provenance: Agenda amendment and committee motion (public safety: SEG 862–SEG 894); chief’s report and discussion (SEG 915–SEG 967; 1331–1543); Revenue & Finance action (SEG 1899–SEG 1928).
