NEWBERRY, S.C. — Newberry is implementing a comprehensive surveillance camera system that proponents say will bolster public safety.
According to Police Chief Kevin Goodman, 18 cameras have already been installed, with an additional seven cameras in the pipeline.
Duke Jones, a Newberry resident living near one of these newly installed cameras on Wise Street, expressed his satisfaction.
"It's alright; it's actually a lot more calmer and quieter, so I guess it's okay," Jones said.
Officials said the primary objective behind deploying these surveillance cameras is to enhance the community's safety. Earlier this year, the city council allocated $150,000 to get 48 cameras.
"The cameras are doing really well with helping us identify suspects and identified vehicles. It's helped in intersections with wrecks that we're having to work, so they're proven to be really useful and are justifying their investment," said Goodman.
The first phase of this surveillance camera project focused on high-crime areas and the city's entrances and exits. The upcoming second phase will shift attention to the city's interior.
Chief Goodman said he believes that the presence of these cameras serves as a crime deterrent.
"People that do bad things, right? Don't want to be on camera. So, the more cameras we get up, hopefully, the fewer people will want to engage in illicit activities around town," said Goodman.
In addition to the surveillance cameras, the police department expanded its technological capabilities by procuring its first drone and having two certified pilots.
"We've used it for barricaded suspects, runaways, elderly individuals who have wandered off, and for locating missing persons," said Goodman.
The start of the second phase of the surveillance program is expected in the early part of the coming year.