More than $1 million in federal funding will bring additional surveillance cameras and upgrades to the city’s public safety technology, officials said.
Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino, presented the city with a ceremonial $1.03 million check for the Police Department during a media conference Wednesday. The federal funding will expand the SBPD’s use of technology to monitor and respond to incidents more effectively, help with solving crimes and deter criminal activity, according to city officials.
“Today we make a meaningful investment in the safety and security of the residents of the city of San Bernardino,” said Mayor Helen Tran, who was joined by City Council members Sandra Ibarra, Fred Shorett, Kim Knaus, Mario Flores and Treasure Ortiz.
The funds will expand the Police Department’s Safety Camera Program and real-time information center, officials said. Additional security cameras will be installed in downtown San Bernardino and other strategic locations in an effort “to prevent, identify and assist” with criminal investigations leading to prosecutions.
Police will also use the funding for the department’s Mobile Crime Prevention Program to buy an unmarked surveillance van, unmarked vehicles that have surveillance equipment, surveillance cameras that can be relocated as needed and license-plate readers, according to the city.
“The utilization of security cameras and license plate readers are effective tools to decrease criminal activity,” Chief of Police Darren Goodman said. “However, crime trends are often transient, and the city needs mobile surveillance solutions to continue successfully reducing crime and improving the community’s health and safety.”
Officials said the new surveillance gear will help continue the trend that has seen a significant crime reduction in recent years, including a drop in homicides by over 50%.
“Our department has experienced a remarkable reduction in crime, thanks to the hard work of our officers, professional staff, and strong partnerships with our community,” Goodman said. “This funding allows us to build on that success by investing in technology that will further enhance public safety, improve our response capabilities, and help us continue driving crime down across San Bernardino.”
Community Project Funding allows members of Congress to request targeted federal funds for specific local projects that benefit communities, including infrastructure, public services, public safety and economic development. Officials said the process is very competitive, requires demonstrated community support and involves rigorous oversight by House and Senate committees.
