New cameras in Shockoe Bottom hope to increase public safety in area
RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Public safety is ramping up a notch in Shockoe Bottom with the addition of several 360-degree surveillance cameras.
The Shockoe Partnership, Venture Richmond and the Richmond Police Department announced Wednesday the public-private partnership to improve safety in the rapidly redeveloped area of the city.
Five new 360-degree, high-definition cameras were installed at the following intersections:
- Intersection of 17th Street and Main Street observing north and east
- Intersection of 17th Street and Franklin Street observing north and west
- The 0000 block of 17th Street observing the Farmer’s Market and foot traffic from Walnut Alley
- Intersection of 18th Street and Main Street observing north and west
- Intersection of 18th Street and Franklin Street observing north and east.
"For years, cameras have been used in many other cities as an important tool for public safety," said Brian Jackson, Chairman of Venture Richmond and a partner with Hirschler Fleischer. "We are happy to help bring them to the Bottom and make the Chief's vision a reality."
Earlier this year RPD Chief Alfred Durham suggested the implementation of cameras for the area but needed funding partners.
The purchase of the $30,000 cameras was not with tax-payer money but funded entirely by private money; the bill was split between the Shockoe Partnership and Venture Richmond.
The cameras will be maintained and utilized by the City of Richmond and the Richmond Police Department.
"I am pleased at how well we all worked together to make this happen," Durham said. "The enthusiastic support the RPD received from the Shockoe Partnership and Venture Richmond when I asked for funding for these safety cameras is a wonderful example of how public-private partnerships can work effectively to make our city safe."
Another eight cameras will be installed as part of the renovations to the 17th Street Market Plaza in the future.
The images captured by the cameras will be shared with several businesses and organizations including RPD, Richmond Fire, the Department of Taxation, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and other Shockoe Bottom businesses.
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