A new initiative in York City aims to combat crime with a comprehensive surveillance camera system, estimated to cost $4.5 million. The nonprofit organization York SafeNet is spearheading this ambitious project, which plans to deploy over 100 cameras throughout the city. This proposal follows a resolution approved by the city council in 2023, when York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow first introduced the concept alongside project contractor Logos Works Partners.
Details about the camera system remained scarce until recently, but the 64-page proposal submitted by York SafeNet is now under consideration. If approved, the organization will design and operate the public safety network, aimed at addressing ongoing concerns about violence and public safety in York. A feasibility study commissioned by Better York highlighted the urgent need for such a system, which mirrors successful models in other cities.
The proposed network would include 140 cameras strategically placed in downtown areas. The construction phase is projected to cost $2.7 million, with annual operating expenses ranging from $300,000 to $750,000. This funding model relies on a coalition of invested stakeholders, making it distinct from similar endeavors in nearby Harrisburg.
In Harrisburg, discussions around updating their existing camera system have been hindered by financial constraints. According to Mischelle Moyer, Director of Communications for Harrisburg, the city has struggled to maintain its outdated cameras, which are owned by Dauphin County. “The County has made it clear they have no plans to maintain them,” Moyer explained, highlighting the challenges the city faces in addressing public safety concerns.
While Harrisburg’s mayor, Wanda Williams, expressed a desire for improved surveillance capabilities, the financial burden of such a project would fall solely on the city. Moyer noted that the costs for new cameras range from $4,000 to $7,000 each, with an additional $250,000 required for necessary software. The total expense, including personnel training and management, presents a significant challenge for the city’s budget.
Despite these obstacles, Moyer confirmed that the desire for enhanced safety measures remains a priority for both the Harrisburg Police and the mayor’s office. The city is actively seeking grant opportunities to support this goal.
As York City moves forward with its proposal, the outcome may influence other municipalities in Pennsylvania considering similar initiatives. The effectiveness of York’s new surveillance system could serve as a model for cities grappling with public safety issues, demonstrating the potential benefits of a well-funded and maintained camera network.
