Ogden police use cameras, lights to reduce crime

OGDEN — At the corner of 25th Street and Lincoln Avenue, it's not hard to notice a white camera mounted to a lightpost. Though a remote feed, it sends data directly into the city's Real-Time Crime Center, but the video isn't constantly monitored. Police say it's meant more as a deterrent than a sort-of Big Brother.

"The idea of this blue light camera project that we have going in Ogden is to make it a visible presence, to have a psychological effect on people in the area," Assistant Police Chief Eric Young said.

Blue, flashing lights make the camera easy to spot, especially at night when much of the criminal activity takes place.

"To me it makes it feel safer to walk," Kellie Catalano, a nearby resident, said. "Especially at night, like if you're a single woman."

Moore's Barbershop sits right next to the camera. Employees say they've already noticed a decrease in crime since it was placed there last March.

"Everything seems mellowed out," employee Dwayne Garcia said, explaining that it was once a usual spot for fights. "It's been a good thing for 25th Street."

The cameras aren't the only one of their kind in Ogden. Two mobile cameras are placed around town in different areas, depending on crime activity, or requests from the public. The portable units are powered by solar panels and can be left in areas for days at a time. Still, Young says the cameras can't take all of the credit.

"The reduction we're seeing there I think is also in part to partnerships with the local businesses," Young said. "We've also had more officers in the area."

Related topics