The installation of camera lenses in more than 12 locations throughout Scotland Neck is now in the final stage.
Town police Chief Tommy Parker said the Verkada camera project, initially started by former Chief John Tippett, “will revolutionize the way law enforcement protects the Scotland Neck community.”
Mayor Eddie Braxton, Town Administrator Thomas Everett and the electrical department worked with Scotland Neck police on this project for months.
"I believe in good old-fashioned law enforcement work, but these days, if it's not on camera it pretty much didn't happen,” Parker said. “And although cameras do not replace an actual officer on the streets, these cameras will be instrumental in real time response and provide officers with valuable information.”
The cameras, he said, will act as a deterrent to criminal activities and data collected from the cameras “will hopefully give law enforcement and our district attorney's office crucial evidence to help solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. The cameras can also be used to assist with traffic accident investigations."
The police department, to further strengthen their relationship with Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, will allow county investigators access to the camera system’s data for specific investigations.
For instance, Parker said, if there is a vehicle used in a crime in the Halifax County area, the camera system would be able to alert officers if a vehicle matching the same description is in the Scotland Neck area.
“It cost the town a lot of time and money, but every town commissioner and members of the public I spoke to, supported the project from day one,” Parker said. “And the community does not need to worry about an invasion of privacy. All of us are on a camera at some point during the day whether we know it or not.”
He said the department has a strict policy in place concerning the use of these cameras and it is fully understood that everyone has the right to privacy. “However, if you are in a public area and committing crimes or traffic violations, there’s a very good chance you will be on camera.”
While he said the cameras will help, “Everyone must continue to work together to stay safe and maintain peace in our community. There is strength in unity.”
