In response to community concerns, Morristown is increasing its surveillance apparatus, installing new permanent video cameras downtown. The move, announced via a social media post from the City of Morristown - Government, is an effort to tackle the declining sense of safety among its citizens while shopping and attending events in the central business district.
According to the city's statement, results from an annual Citizen Survey spurred this new security measure due to a downturn in the "feeling of safety shopping downtown." These cameras are part of a strategy to not only observe but ostensibly to create a blanket of watchfulness over the comings and goings of city life. After using portable live view systems for event monitoring, the Morristown Police Department has opted for fixed-camera equipment to continuously monitor downtown activities.
The City believes that these surveillance upgrades, which include three operational cameras, will be a boon to public safety. Timed conveniently to coincide with a high-profile prom event, the cameras are intended to render peace of mind to those who live in and visit downtown Morristown. This practice echoes similar security strategies in retail locations throughout Tennessee, as noted by the City's announcement.
With the implementation of this fixed-camera system, the authorities hope to reinvigorate a sense of security in public spaces. "Hopefully this will help bring a sense of safety to our citizens living in and visiting the downtown area, knowing that the police are looking out for your safety," Morristown communicated in their post.
