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Police propose three downtown cameras paid for by state grant; council will consider installation
Summary
Perry Police proposed installing three fixed security cameras in downtown paid for through a 2023 Georgia public safety/community violence reduction grant. Chief described intended coverage, limited storage retention (estimated 21–30 days), and that monitoring would normally be event-driven; council added the item to the next meeting agenda.
Perry's police chief told the City Council the department intends to install three fixed security cameras within downtown using equipment purchased with a 2023 Georgia public safety and community violence reduction grant.
The chief described proposed camera locations: a city-hall light pole to cover Jernigan Street and portions of Carol Street, the traffic pole at Main and Ball (city-owned) to cover Main Street and Ball Street parking areas, and a traffic pole near Carolyn and Ball to cover portions of the 800–900 blocks. He said the cameras are intended primarily as a deterrent and an investigatory tool for reported incidents such as thefts, hit-and-runs or other crimes.
On storage and monitoring, the chief said the recorded data would be on an overwrite cycle and estimated retention at "around 21 to 30 days" but noted the department had not yet tested these units in a high-activity downtown environment. He said the grant purchased the cameras and that the city already owns poles and power at the proposed sites, so there would be minimal installation cost and no ongoing license fee.
Council members asked whether the proposal was prompted by specific incidents; the chief said the installation was a prudence measure rather than a response to a particular crime spike. Council agreed to add the camera installation as a supplemental item on the agenda for the next day's meeting for formal consideration.
No final action was taken during the Nov. 17 work session; council will consider the installation at the upcoming meeting.
