The mayor of Toledo, Ohio, has announced a pilot program that would put six surveillance cameras around various locations of downtown Toledo to help improve safety for its workers and citizens.
According to the Toledo Blade, Mayor Jack Ford was inspired by the successful public CCTV system in Chicago.
The announcement was made before a neo-Nazi march on Oct. 15 in Toledo turned violent with counterprotesters attacking police. Ford was forced to declare a state of emergency because of the ensuing riot.
The cameras and accessories would cost $30,000 each and would be paid out of the city’s law enforcement trust fund – made up of cash and items seized during criminal investigations – as well as federal homeland security funds. In addition, an officer or civilian would be necessary to monitor the video screens.
The mayor said he hopes his plan will help beef up security for downtown workers who have complained about car break-ins, and expressed concerns for their safety when walking to and from their cars to their offices.
