El Paso police to install more than 300 surveillance cameras at public gathering spaces
Published: Wed, 04/26/23
El Paso police to install more than 300 surveillance cameras at public gathering spaces
Camera installed in Downtown El Paso
(Credit:CBS4)
KFOX 14
by Fallon Fischer
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — More than 300 surveillance cameras will be placed around the City of El Paso as part of the police department's City Watch Expansion project.
Assistant Police Chief Humberto Talamantes said the cameras will be installed throughout 44 "priority venues" including senior centers, entertainment districts, city parks, sport park complexes, recreational centers, Sun Metro locations, and public safety facilities.
Tentative sites where more than 300 security cameras will be placed throughout the City of El Paso.
(Credit: City of El Paso)
Some of the locations already have cameras but additional ones will be added.
The locations were selected based on crime data and feedback from the public, Talamantes said during a presentation at Tuesday's City Council meeting.
The police department will look to hire staff that will monitor the camera video streams in an effort to prevent crime and assist in investigations and any situation where first responders are needed.
"Rather than have uniformed officers pulled from their regular assignments, we will retain civilians that will be fully dedicated proactively and consistently monitor our city’s extensive and growing security camera infrastructure,” Talamantes said.
A total of $7 million in American Rescue Plan Funding will help cover the cost, operation and maintenance of the cameras.
The installation and implementation of the cameras is expected to be completed in October 2024.
The project was approved by City Council in May.
Police began installing cameras downtown in 2016.
See Talamantes' presentation below:
https://www.scribd.com/document/640802093/City-Watch-Expansion-Update#from_embed