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New surveillance cameras installed in South Side over safety concerns

PITTSBURGH — New surveillance cameras have been installed in Pittsburgh’s South Side after business owners raised concerns about safety in the area.

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala committed to installing 13 additional cameras based on the business owners’ concerns about nuisance and violent crimes.

"A lot of times I'm getting information third and fourth hand from the South Side in terms of prosecuting cases and that's not a good situation. The cameras give me information in real time," Zappala said.

The cameras are in place on East Carson Street between 13th Street and 18th Street, which is the busiest stretch for visitors.

The new cameras join a growing network of cameras throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County that are intended to assist law enforcement. They are also part of an ongoing expansion of a warrant office concept that prosecutors will give final approval before charges can be filed.

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“When we get this built out, you would be an idiot to come down here and rob a bank,” Zappala said.

Zappala said he’s open to business owners having access to the feeds coming from the new cameras.

It's a relief for business owners like Dan McSwiggen, who has several cameras near his restaurant.

"I'm cautiously optimistic it's going to be a good thing. I like the fact he said it will be incident driven," McSwiggen said.

Channel 11 took those comments to Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich

"We've never been given the opportunity to work with him on this. The time that I asked for assistance I was turned down," Hissrich said.

Since March 2017, 220 cameras have been installed in 50 locations by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office and the Allegheny County Chiefs of Police Association. Of those cameras, 75 are license plate recognition cameras that are spread over 35 locations.

 

Cox Media Group

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