IRMO (WACH) -- Lexington County officials unveiled new security features along the Lake Murray Dam walkway they say will make the area safer.
Sheriff James Metts, County Councilman Johnny Jeffcoat and SCANA officials gathered Thursday morning to show off the call boxes and surveillance cameras at the walkway parking lot.
They say residents will also notice more police presence by the Sheriff's Department's Lake Murray Marine and Bike Patrol.
Deputies are also working to cut down on the number of people who park in the bike path along the dam.
“We had no idea how popular the dam walkway would be. It is a great asset for Lexington County,” Jeffcoat said. “Sheriff Metts has been great to work with, and the Sheriff’s Department is making the walkway safe for citizens at all times of the day and night.”
The call boxes were paid for by SCE&G and installed by the public works department.
“We do not rely on taxpayers in Lexington County to accomplish all of the law enforcement needs in Lexington County. We reach out, as we did in this case to SCE&G, to businesses and citizens to provide financial support for law enforcement services,” Metts explained.
The installation of the security camera comes on the heels of a debate over privacy when it comes to recently unveiled surveillance aircraft.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department and Columbia City Police demonstrated their controversial helicopter drones equipped with cameras two weeks ago.
Five Points businesses also stepped up surveillance before the St. Patrick's Day Festival last month by installing several extra security cameras.
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