Downtown cameras get green light

BARRIE - Members of the Barrie Police Services Board want to install 10 cameras downtown at a cost of $300,000.
Mayor Jeff Lehman told the board Tuesday PowerStream is willing to install the cameras at no cost.
He was also hopeful a service group like Rotary might participate by funding all or part of the equipment costs.
“As mayor, there have been a number of groups interested in fixing up a park or playground,” said Lehman, adding maybe they’d be willing to contribute to community safety too.
Lehman was surprised with the community’s support for a surveillance camera project.
“I thought it would be more controversial. But if the police service feels it would be an asset to tackle the issues downtown, then I’m supportive of it,” he said.
Lehman wanted full disclosure on the cost of the cameras, including the cost of the manpower needed to use the system.
“There will be an impact to the Barrie Police Service if we install cameras, including ongoing maintenance and securing video if it’s going to be used in an evidentiary circumstance,” said Chief Mark Neelin.
He expects a few officers will be required to train others with the initial setup, for things like making sure cameras are facing the right way while recording.
After the first two months, Neelin expects the operating costs to decrease.
He stressed to Lehman that the camera costs will be a reason he’ll ask for more money next year.
“We would keep this as a separate item in the operating budget for 2012, because we want to be able to point out the cost of the cameras,” said Neelin.