The Associated Press
DALLAS (AP) - Dallas police have joined with private businesses in the city’s Deep Ellum entertainment district to watch the area by camera.
Dallas police will be able to monitor crowds from 16 cameras on the roofs of three businesses in Deep Ellum. The businesses and police will share the footage via the Internet.
“The intent is not just to provide real-time video images but to provide a history of what happened,” Chief David Kunkle said. “This is part of making the city of Dallas safer.”
While police say crime in the area is down about 12 percent since last year, several high-profile fights and robberies have made some visitors nervous. Business owners have asked for additional police presence.
“It’s one of many steps aimed to make Deep Ellum safer in 2005,” said Mark McNabb, executive director of the Deep Ellum Association.
Virtual Surveillance of Plano donated about $20,000 worth of equipment and services for the pilot project. The cameras will remain in place indefinitely.