Congressman Andrews Announces New Cutting-Edge Surveillance to Make Camden Safer

Camden, NJ – On Monday, Congressman Rob Andrews joined Camden City Mayor Dana Redd and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez to announce the implementation of the City’s “Eye in the Sky” camera policing program.  Congressman Andrews secured the initial $700,000 through the Federal Department of Justice, and worked with county and state agencies for an additional $1.2 million.  

This past January, the State of New Jersey awarded a contract to Ciber Inc. to design, engineer, and deploy this surveillance system.  With video cameras sitting atop telephone poles all over the city, police officers are now able to spot crime as it happens from computers in their cars as well as at headquarters - extending the reach of each officer and making the fight against crime more efficient.  The goal is to install 80 cameras to cover the whole city.  Currently there are 55 operational cameras installed which have led to 66 arrests.

“This state-of-the-art technology, coupled with our devoted men and women in uniform, will directly contribute to the city's revitalization, making Camden a safer place to live, work, and study,” said Congressman Andrews.  “In order for our city to bounce back, we need to provide our brave officers with the best tools available in public safety.  With this new technology we can improve the department's presence so that every street corner is being watched and protected.”

“I am truly thankful for the support and assistance Senator Menendez and Congressman Andrews have provided to ensure Camden was able to get the necessary funding for this valuable crime fighting technology,” said Mayor Redd.  “The ‘Eye in the Sky’ project is yet another critical tool that will enable our police officers to combat criminal activity in Camden and make our residents feel safe.  I look forward to moving on to the second phase of the project and eventually having the entire city integrated into the ‘Eye in the Sky’ system.”

“Technology can help police departments make neighborhoods safer effectively and economically,” said Senator Menendez. “Would-be criminals are now on notice that the Camden police will be watching.”

Public safety is a top priority for the City of Camden.  To date, the City has rehired 74 police officers and 31 firefighters who were laid-off on January 18, 2011 with the help of $10 million secured by Congressman Andrews through the Department of Justice’s COPS Hiring Program and FEMA’s SAFER Grants.

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