BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Federal criminal justice funding could add another two intersections to Bethlehem police’s citywide camera network.
Covering those two would put eyes on a total of 30 intersections around the city, according to Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott.
Kott said a $33,577 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, allocated based on BPD data recorded in the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System, would let her department expand surveillance and protect everyone using city roadways.
“Advanced camera systems equipped with higher-quality cameras and real-time data analytics will help us respond more swiftly and accurately to incidents and also aid in investigating crimes that happen at or near intersections."Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott
She named potential target areas at Broad and Center streets, Broad and Linden streets, and Stefko Boulevard at Bayard Street and Washington Avenue.
“Advanced camera systems equipped with higher-quality cameras and real-time data analytics will help us respond more swiftly and accurately to incidents," Kott told City Council on March 18.
"And also aid in investigating crimes that happen at or near intersections.”
Officials held a public hearing on the grant and took no official vote on its application. It will be back on the City Council agenda as a resolution on April 1.
'These crucial improvements'
Kott said her department is “focusing on high-risk areas where accidents and traffic violations are more prevalent” in applying for the grant.
The grant is named for a 22-year-old New York City police officer who was killed while protecting a witness ahead of their trial in 1988.
The department has gotten the annual funding and normally put it toward mobile data terminals for the police cruisers, she said.
But with those up to date, Kott said the city now has room for installing the cameras.
The network’s “historical data that is recorded,” Kott said, can be used by the department for evidence on crimes that occur near an intersection.
Some footage can even be flagged for long-term storage, she said.
“We should invest in programs that address the poverty issues and the education, and lack of education, in this city."Bethlehem resident Harry Faber
The chief said the grant is set to cover the equipment and labor, but the cameras' service subscription is an official budgeted line item each year.
Kott said she also was “hoping that adding more cameras throughout the community is going to hopefully correct some bad driver behavior.”
She confirmed the cameras aren’t used specifically for enforcing traffic laws.
Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith called it “a great use of the grant.”
“By investing in these crucial improvements to our intersection camera system, we are sending a clear message that the safety of our community is a priority today and into the future,” Kott said.
The public will have another chance ahead of council's vote on April 1 to comment on the police department potentially getting the funding.
“We should invest in programs that address the poverty issues and the education, and lack of education, in this city,” resident Harry Faber said.
That could open the department to other grant opportunities, Faber said.
