Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — During Tuesday’s Jackson City Council meeting, the council unanimously approved the launch of a 12-month “Eyes on the Block” Community Safety Camera Pilot Program. The current scope of the program allows for up to 100 cameras to be deployed to voluntary participants across 2 – 3 high-crime neighborhoods within the city.
Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney explained to WKHM on AM Jackson that the program hopes to discourage crime in the areas with a high camera population.
Program guidelines say that while law enforcement may request footage related to an incident captured by these cameras, they cannot directly access or monitor them as the camera is the property of the homeowner.
City Manager Jonathan Greene explained that live monitoring of the cameras by law enforcement or the City of Jackson is also prohibited.
Jackson Police Chief Chris Simpson said that the police department will present to city council a way for people to submit camera footage anonymously in December to address concerns of residents being hesitant to submit footage to authorities should the location of where that footage was taken being said in a potential court case.
The cost of the pilot program is up to $50,000 out of the city’s general fund budget. Participation from residents is voluntary with the option to withdraw at any time.
