CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. – Dozens of homes in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, are getting new surveillance systems to help deter crime in their neighborhood, as police say technology plays a crucial role in keeping neighborhoods safe.
“We believe that public safety starts inside of our neighborhoods; we believe that we have to be able to engage residents on their front porch,” Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Vice President of Public Safety James Clark said.
Through a partnership with local police, Home Depot, The Electrical Workers Union 1, and many more, 75 homes will soon be equipped with cameras and lights.
“Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community that allows children to play freely in our parks, businesses to flourish, and families to feel secure in their homes,” Director of Demolition of Public Works in Cahokia Heights Corey Allen.
St. Louis County Police Chief Kenneth Gregory spoke about the importance of the cameras during a news conference Thursday.
“We have seen homicides committed on front porches. When we used the ring doorbell of a citizen that lived there, we solved that case with no problem at all, based on the information that we got from the ring cameras,” he said.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Tracy said in the city, doorbell video is helping solve crime every day.
“It is an invaluable tool that will not only deter crime but will provide crucial evidence that can assist us in solving cases and holding individuals accountable,” Tracy added.