County Supervisor proposes installing cameras in Milwaukee County parks to deter crime



MILWAUKEE COUNTY (WITI) -- Could installing cameras in some Milwaukee County parks help to fight crime? It's something at least one Milwaukee County supervisor wants to explore. In May, a man was murdered in a Milwaukee County park, and now, his death could lead to change.

On a pleasant afternoon at Tiefenthaler Park, the basketball court is busy and kids are playing.

On May 29th -- a much different scene, as police investigated the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Jacoby Davis. More than three months later, no arrests have been made.

"We don't have the resources to place an officer on every corner, or in every park all the time," Milwaukee County Supervisor David Bowen said.

Bowen is interested in installing surveillance cameras in high volume, high crime parks like Tiefenthaler Park.

"To ensure that we're being proactive and preventing things from happening," Bowen said.

Bowen has drafted a resolution asking the county to look into the cost of installing and operating surveillance cameras in parks. Bowen says the cameras could help prevent or even solve violent crimes.

"There's definitely deterrance as well when individuals know they won't be able to get away with something," Bowen said.

Those who visit Tiefenthaler Park and are aware of the recent homicide seem to support the idea.

"It would be able to monitor activity around here," Dujuan Cherry said.

"I would worry about privacy but I think safety first," Yahyal Siddiqu said.

It is too soon to know how much the cameras could cost, which parks they would go in, and how they would be monitored. However, Bowen says he's simply starting the conversation.

"I want to ensure that we have a safe place for our children to play and I think surveillance cameras might be one of those options," Bowen said.

Some Milwaukee County parks already have cameras -- including the Mitchell Park Domes, the Lincoln Park Aquatic Center and O'Donnell Park.

Bowen's resolution went before a county committee Tuesday. The committee moved to table the issue for four months.