The Riley County Police Department is looking at new technology within local communities in an effort to reduce crime. Director Brian Peete shared information on KMAN’s In Focus this week.
Since becoming director last year, Peete says the violent crime has been on a decline of just over 11% from the five year average. Captain Erin Friedline says adding cameras could potentially help lower that number even further.
These cameras would not have a live feed, according to RCPD, but would have license plate reading capabilities and would be placed around the community, including in particular the Aggieville area as well as other hot spots where crime is more prevalent.
The measure was approved by the Riley County Law Board in December and will cost $43,400 annually.
RCPD will take its message of crime reduction to a series of community town halls next week, in Riley, Manhattan and Ogden. All three meetings begin at 6 p.m.