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REPRINTED FROM THENEXTMAYOR.COMFebruary 5, 2007 press release, (submitted via e-mail) |
February 5, 2007
CONTACT: SOLOMON JONES
(215) 829-1620/ (215) 370.5681
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, PA - Mayoral candidate Chaka Fattah today thanked Mayor Street and City Council for providing $5 million for anti-crime cameras. Fattah, who secured over $1 million in federal funds for cameras in Philadelphia's commercial corridors in partnership with the Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation, has promised to provide 1,000 surveillance cameras if he is elected Mayor.
Expanding the use of cameras is part of Fattah's overall plan to reduce gun violence in Philadelphia. Under the Fattah Administration, Philadelphia will have the most aggressive use of cameras of any major city in the country. "Through the implementation of the plan to reduce violence, we will not only take illegal guns out of the hands of criminals, we will make sure, by providing 1,000 cameras, that we stop violent crime before it starts," Fattah said.
The Fattah Administration will actively work with the Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Housing Authority, SEPTA, and the School District of Philadelphia to substantially increase the use of cameras and communications technology to identify trouble before it happens and gather evidence if offenses occur.
Fattah plans to go beyond photo surveillance to reduce violence. He also plans to increase opportunity and demand responsibility to deter Philadelphians from resorting to violence. "The $5 million from City Council is a success that must be touted," Fattah said. "But it is only one step in building a safer, more secure city for all Philadelphians."
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