Camera System
Thanks to a private grant from the philanthropic Meadows Foundation, Dallas is one of just a few select downtowns to boast a state-of-the-art video surveillance program. This system of 40 cameras, with the ability to pan, zoom, and rotate 360 degrees from overhead street lights and traffic signals, not only prevents crime but also helps the police apprehend criminals after the crime has been committed.
Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle told CBS 11, "Cities throughout the country, and actually throughout the world, have found that video camera surveillance helps create much safer places and have seen dramatic crime reduction." Similar systems have been highly successful in Los Angeles, Chicago and London where the cameras helped catch the underground bombers. The cutting edge technology of this program has helped secure the safety of Downtown Dallas.
The Downtown Dallas Camera system was fully operational in January of 2007. Since the installation of the first 40 cameras, overall crime in the CBD has been reducedby nearly 30%.
Downtown Dallas, Inc. is currently working with Dallas Police Department, Safer Dallas Better Dallas and other private donors to expand the camera system by adding 42 more cameras in the Central Business District of Downtown Dallas. For more information on how to participate in the camera expansion project, please call 214-744-1270 or email publicsafety@downtowndallas.org.
