Baxter officials have approved making upgrades to the city park’s camera system in an effort to prevent vandalism.
Lieutenant Tory Womack said the city plans to spend an estimated $1,400 to install a new DVR recording box for the park’s camera system. Womack said the upgrade will significantly improve the system’s capabilities.
“Our upgrade is going to take that from an eight-channel DVR box, and we are going to upgrade to a 16-channel for future camera installation if needed,” Womack said. ” And then also we will be on the same network that our other camera systems are already on.”
Womack said connecting the cameras to the same network as the city’s other systems will make it easier for both the police and fire departments to monitor the park at all times. He said the city hopes the upgraded system will also help deter future vandalism.
“Having this new upgraded system, it will actually be a lot easier for our officers to access,” Womack said. “So for the people vandalizing it, you know, we want them to know we are monitoring, we are watching. And if they vandalize the park, they will get charged for vandalism on county and government property.”
Womack said the cameras will serve more than just a security purpose. Students from Baxter Primary School and Cornerstone Elementary School often use the park, making monitoring an important safety measure.
“For us to be able to have the cameras there to not only watch for vandalism after hours, but to be able to monitor why our schools are in session and keep an eye on children that, you know, the school system takes over there is very, very crucial also,” Womack said.
Womack said the money for the upgrade will come from the city’s general fund. Installation will be handled by Twin Lakes, though Womack said a timeline for the work has not yet been determined.
Baxter Aldermen approved the purchase at its most recent aldermen meeting.