Palm Desert Public Safety Commission subcommittee eyes more security cameras in public places

Palm Desert Public Safety Commission subcommittee eyes more security cameras in public places

A subcommittee of city staff, law enforcement, business owners and citizens will look further into the costs of placing security cameras in public places.A string of burglaries, a purse-snatching and a carjacking on El Paseo earlier this year prompted the city Public Safety Commission to explore putting the cameras along El Paseo as a way to deter crime.An initial report done by the city staff indicated more information is needed starting with where, if at all, cameras are needed.

Even though it was criminal activity along El Paseo that started the discussion, chairman Rick Lebel said at the commission's Sept. 14 meeting that he wants the subcommittee to look at other areas that could benefit.He pointed to University Dog Park, which was closed for several weeks after vandals toppled light poles, ripped out electrical and irrigation systems, stole copper wiring and damaged other parts of the facility on May 4, causing $42,000 worth of damage.What Home Spy Camera Do You Want ?

The subcommittee needs to decide if the benefits outweigh the costs of security cameras, which can only be done after camera locations are determined, said city risk manager Gary Rosenblum.“There are numerous streets from which people and vehicles can enter El Paseo. Do you try to cover a portion of those or all with cameras?” asked Lt. Andrew Shouse, Palm Desert's assistant chief of police.“In a perfect world, sure, I would love to have full coverage surveillance video of any public place in the city,” Shouse said.