SANTA MARIA, Calif. — In an attempt to make up for a lack of witnesses to crimes here, police are hoping it can appeal to city council to gain funding for video surveillance cameras.
The Santa Maria Police Department is asking for $90,000 for 10 surveillance cameras from Security Lines U.S., according to KSBY in San Luis Obispo.
The funding could come from money in the budget that was set aside for the hire of 12 police officers.
Santa Maria police have already installed nine cameras in the past six months, according to the report.
“They’re really a cost-effective way to help with many of the issues we’re seeing in this community,” Sgt. Russ Mengel said. “When people would come and gather and fight, often times gang members, we’re not having images captured of others, and that’s what’s been successful in criminal prosecution, and also as a deterrent.”
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