City opts for new high tech crime prevention cameras

During Friday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, the city approved moving forward with the NOLA camera system, something referred to as a “game changer”.

Project NOLA works with individuals, associations, and municipalities to place cost-subsidized high-definition crime cameras, gunshot detectors, and license plate recognition cameras in needed areas. Video is transmitted via the Internet to the Project NOLA National Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) located at the University of New Orleans, where analysts provide valuable information to units responding to breaking crimes and dangerous situations.

“We see so many things on TV, NCIS and all these FBI shows, things that the camera system does that we think, ‘OK, this is TV, so we know this is not real’, Jones began. “Going to New Orleans with several of my colleagues a couple of days ago – it’s possible. Everything you see on TV, just about, the NOLA camera system can do.”

Jones stated the NOLA camera system has the ability to zoom in with such clarity, that they were able to see the serial number of a gun on a person’s body. Jones went on to state the service fees for the system are extremely cost-efficient.

“I feel like the NOLA camera system is what Vicksburg needs right now,” said Jones. “We’ve experienced so many different crimes but they’re not isolated to one particular area, they’re happening everywhere.”

Jones likened the system to having a police presence in neighborhoods and businesses 24 hours a day.

Mayor Flaggs stated the contract for the system is just phase I. Phase II will determine where the initial cameras will be installed in addition to the cameras already in place.

“The city should and will pay for the cameras that goes into the neighborhoods on the street property. When it gets to the individual resident, you can participate but you have to pay for your own installment and the camera.”

Flaggs stated the largest cost is the installment, not the camera itself.

Most of the cost of the cameras is covered by a grant, so the cost to the city is minimal. Neighborhood watch groups can also opt-in and pay an annual fee, starting around $300 to have the cameras in their neighborhood.