Watchful eyes in a neighborhood have long been considered an effective crime deterrent. In a continuing effort to reduce crime in Uptown, the consortium’s public safety committee is putting more “eyes on the street.” According to Gene Ferrera, chairman of the public safety committee, a planned camera surveillance system will create a “win-win” situation for all Uptown neighborhoods.

 “For those neighborhoods already experiencing lower crime rates, the cameras will reinforce this positive momentum,” said Ferrera. “And for those neighborhoods struggling with increased crime, the cameras will be essential in deterring crime and providing positive avenues for crimes to be solved.”

It’s worth noting that there were significant decreases in both violent crimes and property crimes in most Uptown neighborhoods in 2007. “This is great news,” said Ferrera. “But the fact is any crime is too much crime. That is why I am so passionate about implementing a camera surveillance network in Uptown.”

Headed by Ferrera, the consortium’s team of security professionals determined that a total of 39 cameras would be needed to provide a level of coverage that could significantly reduce crime in Uptown.

“The cameras will be strategically placed throughout the business districts in Avondale, Clifton and Corryville,” said Ferrera. The cost to implement a first phase of the system is $225,00.

To date, a total of $82,000 has been raised to support this endeavor. The consortium will also provide annual funding to keep the system operating and maintained once it is installed.

It should be noted that the Department of Justice has given the Cincinnati Police Department a congressionally mandated appropriation of $2 million for a separate initiative to install surveillance cameras throughout the entire city.  The Uptown Consortium and the Cincinnati Police are working together to coordinate these two separate initiatives.  It is not yet known how much of this money will be allocated to the Uptown area.

“We need the support of the entire community - businesses, civic organizations and individuals to bring the camera surveillance system to Uptown,” said Ferrera. Individuals and organizations that would like to know more about how they can support the camera surveillance initiative can call Lajuana Miller, Neighborhood Services Executive, at 513-861-8726 or lmiller@uptownconsortium.org.