The Phoenix Police Department is looking to replace and increase the number of security cameras in downtown Phoenix, specifically from Seventh Street to Seventh Avenue.
There are only 25 out of 60 cameras that are operational, according to police commander Brian Lee. It has been a decade since the first installment of security cameras in the area. The main reason why new cameras are to replace the ones in the street is that the boundary is the location for local or any national events happening in Phoenix.
“We want to increase the prevention and protection for security,” Lee said. “We’re looking to start at the center of the downtown core with replacing cameras.”
The police department’s goal is to install the security cameras before the NFL Super Bowl in 2023 because the league is requiring security cameras in the event areas that are reliable, produce quality pictures and have updated technology. They also want to keep track of crimes in the area.
It’s expected to cost more than $1.6 million dollars to replace the cameras, and the first phase of the project is expected to cost $600,000.
However, because downtown Phoenix is constantly in construction with new buildings, the cost may increase.
“It’s possible the prices can increase due to the ability of the contractors and challenges with supply chains,” he said. “The prices are able to be scalable but it’s dealing with the ever-changing skyline because of construction.”
There are three fundings outlined in the PowerPoint made by the police department. The last statement change says that the funding does not allow for upgrades or maintenance. This means that the cameras will be installed with no further advancements to the camera systems.
Chief of staff Yvette Roeder, from Phoenix Council District 1, opposes and says installing cameras can pose as a deterrent than as a response to the number of crimes.
“I think that connecting crime rates and cameras can be a biased view because cameras can also be purchased as a safety precaution,” she said. “That is the intent of these cameras – think of what residents often buy ring cameras.”
The proposal was supposed to be voted on Wed. on whether or not the cameras should be purchased, but the Council decided to push off this decision to the formal city council meeting set for Dec. 1.
“So, with this ‘continuance,’ we don’t know when the purchase will happen,” she said.
Contact the reporter at yhan99@asu.edu.
Yoori Han was the politics editor at Downtown Devil during fall 2021 and part of spring 2022.
