KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo City Commission has approved a pilot program to increase the efficiency of video surveillance cameras downtown, but will put off funding a full activation of the program for two weeks until they get more information.
The system they are trying out uses existing cameras in private businesses and can only be accessed with the business owner’s permission.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief Dave Boysen says the aim is to make the community safer by more effectively using cameras that are already in place.
Several community members expressed concerns about facial recognition systems and other privacy concerns.
But Boysen says their vendor doesn’t permit facial recognition, and they will only ask for access to a camera when a crime has occurred or if gun violence is threatened.
He says the pilot project has already taken one violent suspect off the streets, and says businesses, shoppers and even the homeless will be better off if they can respond more quickly to reported crimes and know who they are looking for.
The City of Kalamazoo actually began expanding video surveillance in high crime neighborhoods two years ago as part of a larger effort to reduce gun violence using Ring cameras.
The money for the pilot is coming from downtown businesses who want the system.
Commissioners want more data on how the system works in other communities and to give the public another chance to offer input at their next meeting before considering a $375,000 contract for a three year program.
reporting from John McNeill
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