Pittsburgh Plans To Expand Surveillance System, Install Additional Cameras

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The City of Pittsburgh is planning to expand its surveillance system, which includes installing additional cameras.

Macee Dalton just moved to Homewood two weeks ago with her one-year-old son, Carter. It's an area that's known for high crime.

"There's a lot of places in Pittsburgh that need help, especially here," Dalton said.

After hearing about the city potentially adding more surveillance cameras to its neighborhoods, she feels a sense of comfort.

"I think it's a good idea, especially because of all the cases that haven't been solved and the ongoing things that will happen. With more cameras, you will just be able to do more," Dalton said.

Pittsburgh's Public Safety Department plans to spend $5 million for the upgrade and addition. It would be a three-year contract to upgrade, maintain or replace many of the city's 225 cameras. The city hopes to buy and maintain 75 new cameras. City council gave preliminary authorization on Wednesday.

"You've got cameras everywhere and crime keeps climbing," said William Miller of Homewood.

"The cameras, they so call say they work. No, they really don't. If they did really work, all the murders would be solved," said Kinshasha Jones of Homewood.

There have been cases where surveillance cameras have helped solve crimes. Cameras from both the city and private businesses helped arrest Allen Wade who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of the Wolfe sisters in East Liberty in 2014. Cameras also helped police identify suspects after the brutal assault of a CAPA teacher walking down a street when he was punched in the face in 2012. These are just some of the examples that give Macee Dalton a sense of relief for her growing son.

"He's only a year old. He's not out here yet, but if I'm still here and he is out here, I'm sure that will be a little more comfort to the people that are around here," Dalton said.

City council is set do a final vote on Tuesday during their regularly scheduled council meeting.

The city won't say where the new cameras will be installed, but they do say they will be added in high crime areas.