Citation

Wade B. Am. City Cty. 1998; 113(11): S22.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Penton Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In 1995, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore began look at closed circuit television (CCTV) as a possible addition to its Clean and Safe supplemental services program. After conferring with area merchants and property owners, the partnership researched CCTV and, in 1996, installed a 16-camera video recording system. It also installed a central monitoring station where safety personnel can view what is happening on the streets 24 hours a day. Funded by a federal grant (providing 75% of the total cost) and the Maryland Mass Transit Authority, the project cost $58,000 to complete. Statistically, crime in the Lexington Street area has dropped since 1996, corresponding to the video system's installation. The number of crimes dropped 11% during the first year of the system's operation, and it dropped 30% in 1997. Public opinion was split during the project's conceptual phase; the business community favored CCTV, and residents expressed some concern about privacy. Ultimately, public support made the project happen, and, since the actual installation, reaction to the system has been almost unanimously positive. Other neighborhoods in downtown Baltimore are considering adding CCTV to their safety programs.