Proposal to outfit commercial corridors in Milw. with cameras

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A new proposal suggests commercial corridors in the city could be outfitted with surveillance cameras monitored by police.

The initiative would be funded with $200,000 in federal money, which officials hope would be matched by businesses and business districts.

"And we're also talking about a partnership. And we feel very, very strongly that in order for this to be effective, we have to have a strong partnership between the government and whether it's the (business districts), individual businesses, some not-for-profit organizations -- giving them the opportunity to invest in this with us. We feel very strongly that surveillance has certainly been a big factor, as you've seen in the media and public, in the apprehension and also the prevention of crime in our community, but also nationally," Milwaukee Alderman Michael Murphy said.

The proposal will be introduced at next week's Common Council meeting.