HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposed Video Camera System for Downtown - Submitted by Coutt4 e. h;q CITY OF HUNTINGT N BEACH
City Council Interoffice Communication
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Joe Carchio and Joe Shaw, City Council Members
Date: January 28, 2013
Subject: CITY COUNCIL ITEM FOR THE February 4, 2013 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING — Video Camera System for Downtown
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The police department has received an increased number of complaints concerning
crimes and other incidents in downtown Huntington Beach over the past few years.
According to the police department, in reporting district 451 (Downtown Huntington
Beach) the number of Part 1 Crimes and Part 2 Arrests was 1365% greater than the city
average for 2011. The Downtown Economic Development Committee recently asked
the police department to develop an enhanced policing strategy to address the
increased number of crimes and arrests that are occurring. One strategy discussed
was installation of a video camera system in certain "problem areas" downtown. The
cameras could be installed so they could be monitored at the police department.
Video cameras have proven to be a very effective tool in deterring crime and identifying
those responsible for committing crimes. Cameras installed in certain downtown
Huntington Beach areas, with appropriate signage, would assist in deterring criminal
behavior. It would also allow for the police department to be aware of criminal behavior
in progress and dispatch police personnel to the area more quickly. Additionally, data
recorded by the video cameras could be used during the investigation of crimes that
occur downtown.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Direct the Police and Information Services Departments to explore the feasibility and
cost of installing a video camera system in Downtown Huntington Beach and prepare a
report for the City Council with their findings and recommendations.
cc: Fred Wilson, City Manager
Bob Hall, Assistant City Manager
Joan Flynn, City Clerk
Ken Small, Police Chief
Jack Marshall, Director of Information Services
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