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New Haven to install hundreds of cameras in an effort to reduce crime

Security cameras
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The city of New Haven will buy 500 surveillance cameras to help police with a growing number of shootings and homicides that remain unsolved.

The city Board of Alders gave final approval to Mayor Justin Elicker’s proposal to spend $12 million of federal coronavirus relief money on several public safety measures and technology upgrades.

The new 500 surveillance cameras positioned in crime hotspots around the city will cost nearly $4 million. The city already has 190 cameras — just a few in comparison to 1,200 in Harford and 1,600 in Bridgeport.

Elicker said the cameras will prevent shootings, with the city under a watchful eye, and help police solve deaths from gun violence. New Haven will end 2021 with a closure rate in homicide cases of around 30%, while Hartford’s homicide closure rate is close to 70%.

Almost $1 million will fund additional police overtime and recruitment bonuses. Another $1 million will expand the city’s ShotSpotter technology to track gun fire in real-time.

A native Long Islander, J.D. is WSHU's managing editor. He also hosts the climate podcast Higher Ground. J.D. reports for public radio stations across the Northeast, is a journalism educator and proud SPJ member.