Read more: Crime, Local
Helen Wrighten has a new neighbor these days, a tiny surveillance camera is watching things in her Colonial Drive neighborhood and the long-time resident doesn't mind the extra set of eyes. "It's a good idea because there's so many ends and outs and you don't know whose who and what's what," said Wrighten.
That's exactly what project unity founder Bruce Trezevant wants to keep track of. "There's a lot of times that calls come out and they're no where near the area and things happen and by the time they [the cops] get there, they're gone," said Trezevant.
It's all part of a project hosted by Unity USA, The City of Columbia and Richland County. Authorities hope it can help them fight drug and other crimes in the area. Officials plan to put cameras on light posts and that raises some privacy issues for some. "The camera is no different sitting on a street corner than a police officer sitting on the same corner," said Trezevant.
The cameras are bullet proof, have gun shot recognition and have the flexibility to record in sunshine or moonlight. Good news to someone like Helen who wants to kee her neighborhood safe.
