The Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) will be looking into where additional closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) could be placed across the municipality.
At council’s August 10 meeting, South Kent representative Anthony Ceccacci’s motion calling for a report on the potential placement of additional CCTV cameras and the associated costs was approved in a vote of 16-1.
Ceccacci was following up on a friendly amendment he added to a motion in July, asking that upcoming municipal budget deliberations consider cameras in Erieau, Mitchell’s Bay and other public areas that could benefit from additional security.
“The goal was to put this on the agenda for us to consider those busy areas,” said Ceccacci. “I think it’s a good opportunity to put it out to the public, put it out to council, and if there are any areas that we think are an area of concern, to let the police know and that could come back. But Erieau is something that has been brought forth a lot.”
Councillor Ryan Doyle was the only member to oppose the report, explaining his concerns that CCTV cameras could be more of a Band-Aid solution.
“To me it’s almost like they are creating a problem and offering a solution of the camera,” said Doyle. “I don’t think that’s necessarily long term the right idea…to me I think we should be advocating for the provincial and federal government for stronger laws keeping people in jail longer, especially repeat offenders.”
Administration expects the report to return to council in September.
