Brackenridge Council is hoping for extra eyes around-the-clock in the borough’s riverfront park.
Council members proposed the idea to install cameras at the park along First Avenue, if costs and funding can be worked out.
“It’s not like we want to watch everyone, but if something bad happens, we would have a tool to find the people who did it,” Councilman Dino Lopreiato said.
“We have a playground there, we have the monuments there, and I think it’s good to have extra tools that we could use.”
Manager Chad Edwards said he is working with police Chief Bill Vakulick to determine camera costs.
“Once we have that, we will look into funding sources,” Edwards said. “There is no official timeline on cameras at this stage.”
Because Brackenridge and Tarentum police consolidated in 2023, the two boroughs will work closely on the purchase to ensure the new camera system is compatible with Tarentum’s.
“That allows for full integration and ensures the field of view is set up in a way that supports effective monitoring and public safety,” Tarentum Manager Dwight Boddorf said.
“But the approval process ultimately lies with Brackenridge Council.”
Council is assessing how many cameras would be needed and where they could be positioned for best line of sight.
If the project moves forward, Vakulick would be involved for review and coordination to ensure the equipment and layout meets operational needs, Boddorf said.
The feed is sent back to the Tarentum police station for monitoring.
Lopreiato said there have been a couple of acts of vandalism over the years at the park but it’s fortunately not a common occurrence.
“I see this as extra security just in case anything happens,” he said.