As technology has improved, costs have declined. A video surveillance system at one time was an expensive undertaking. Today, cameras can be purchased for $50-ish and easily connected to your internet wirelessly.
Cameras outside your home are a deterrent. But possibly more important, they help catch perpetrators committing crimes elsewhere.
The downtown graffiti vandal was caught on a camera.
Teens robbing unlocked cars in a subdivision were caught on a camera.
A shooter was caught … on his own camera!
If you can afford it, you can help me help them (our PD) help us by simply adding a camera or two at your home.
Follow-up: For much of the past year, I have spoken of Covington's police officers being the lowest paid in St. Tammany Parish. As such, of the 23 patrol and traffic positions, we only have 13 officers. In the past ten years 40 officers have left our ranks to go work for other agencies. They did not leave police work. They left us. Last week former councilmen, business people and residents spoke in favor of a raise for our officers. After careful consideration, the City Council voted in favor of my request to increase salaries $4,000 per person per year. Kudos to the Council and the Community for recognizing this need and addressing it.
Sidenote: Addition of $4,000 per year is still short of other agencies' salaries.
