Distribution of cameras leaves some neighborhoods in dark
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – A review of Memphis’ SkyCop surveillance cameras shows most are guarding either the city’s downtown developments or its wealthiest East Memphis neighborhoods.
The Commercial Appeal reports the city is trying to address the situation through a new program to better distribute the pole-mounted cameras among city council districts.
According to data provided by the Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division, the city has for years accepted camera grants and donations from businesses and agencies, and more recently neighborhoods, with the understanding the cameras be placed where donors want them. That’s even though taxpayer dollars cover the cameras’ annual cost of about $42,000 a year.
But as cameras became more popular in a city worried about public safety, the pay-to-play arrangement meant neighborhoods able to raise money received more city-subsidized security.
