More than 300 surveillance cameras to go up in El Paso
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) - El Paso police plan to put up more than 300 surveillance cameras around the city starting next month. The project was approved by city council last May. It uses $7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Police began installing cameras in downtown El Paso in 2016, and the additional funding is allowing the project to expand.
Assistant Police Chief Humberto Talamantes told city council members Tuesday that the cameras, including mobile cameras and drones, will surveil 44 venues around town, including senior centers, entertainment districts, city and state parks, and big events like parades and marathons.
Police said the additional surveillance will also help public safety agencies in Doña Ana County, New Mexico and will assist any law enforcement agency in the region or in the nation with any legitimate criminal investigation. The cameras are monitored at the city's 911 Communications Center by civilian employees. Police said they expect to spend about $200,000 a year in maintenance costs.
