San Bernardino's Big Step Towards Safer Streets
The city's police department has received over a million dollars from the federal government for a project called the Mobile Crime Prevention Program. The goal? To make the city safer by adding more eyes on the streets.
Current Situation
Right now, the police can see live footage from nearly 200 cameras around the city. But with this new funding, they plan to add about 100 more. Some of these cameras will be mobile, and others will be on undercover police cars. This means they can move around and cover more areas.
The Benefits
The police chief, Darren Goodman, said these cameras are like having extra officers on duty. They can help solve crimes faster and reduce the time investigators spend watching hours of footage. The new cameras even have smart tech. If they're looking for a blue car, they can just tell the system to show only blue cars. This saves time and makes the job easier.
Funding and Timeline
The money for this project came from a big federal act that includes funds for various projects in the area. The police expect to have all the new cameras up and running by the end of the year.
The Bigger Picture
This is a big deal for the city, as it shows a commitment to using technology to keep people safe. However, some might wonder if this is the best way to spend the money. While cameras can help, they're not a magic solution. Good policing also needs community trust and smart strategies. Still, this is a step in the right direction for San Bernardino.