York City is moving forward with plans to enhance public safety through a proposed $4.5 million surveillance camera network. Spearheaded by the nonprofit organization York SafeNet, the initiative aims to install over 100 cameras throughout the city in a bid to address ongoing concerns about crime and public safety.
The proposed system gained traction after a resolution for a citywide camera network was approved by the city council in 2023. At that time, York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow presented the concept alongside representatives from the contractor, Logos Works Partners. Since the initial approval, details about the project’s development had remained sparse.
Now, the nonprofit York SafeNet is advancing efforts to secure funding and finalize plans for the camera system. The proposal, which spans 64 pages, outlines a plan to design and construct a comprehensive public safety camera network that would be owned and operated by the organization. This initiative is intended to tackle “violence and questions around public safety,” which York SafeNet identifies as ongoing obstacles for the community.
Funding and Implementation Details
The proposed project would utilize the estimated $4.5 million over a three-year period. According to the proposal, the construction of the camera network is projected to cost approximately $2.7 million, with annual operating costs ranging from $300,000 to $750,000. The funding would come from a coalition of invested stakeholders supporting the nonprofit’s efforts.
The necessity for such a system has been underscored by previous studies. A feasibility study commissioned by Better York highlighted the advantages of implementing a public safety camera network, drawing comparisons to other Pennsylvania cities. Notably, Lancaster City has seen significant success with its own extensive camera system, managed by the Lancaster Safety Coalition. This coalition funds and operates a network that has contributed to Lancaster’s relatively low gun violence rate compared to its peers.
In contrast, the situation in nearby Harrisburg illustrates the challenges some cities face in maintaining effective surveillance systems. Earlier this year, officials discussed the need for updated cameras to address community concerns. Mischelle Moyer, Director of Communications for Harrisburg, stated that the current cameras, owned by Dauphin County, have not been maintained or updated for years. As a result, many are in disrepair or non-functional.
Moyer emphasized that while Mayor Wanda Williams remains committed to improving public safety through enhanced surveillance, the financial burden for such a system rests solely on the city. The cost of new cameras ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 each, and the necessary software to make them operational could exceed $250,000.
Despite these funding challenges, Harrisburg’s city officials continue to prioritize the implementation of a camera network and actively seek grant opportunities to support this goal.
Looking Ahead
As York City prepares to present the proposal to the city council, the outcome could have significant implications for public safety. If approved, the installation of the new surveillance cameras is expected to bolster the city’s crime prevention efforts and enhance community safety.
The proposed project reflects a growing recognition of the role technology can play in improving urban security. With cities like York and Lancaster leading the way, there is hope that innovative solutions can effectively address the persistent challenges of crime and public safety in communities across the region.
