Scurry Co. Parks Dept. Want Cameras Installed at Towle Park
By: SnyderDailyNews.com
Updated: July 2, 2012
Following a recent string of vandalism at Towle Park, Scurry County
Parks Department officials will request security cameras during
the budget process for the upcoming fiscal year.
Parks Director Larry Thompson said it is the only way he can think of to protect the community assets in the park.
"People just don't want to get involved," Thompson said of the vandalism in the park. "With the cameras, we're hoping that if we catch a few people, it will stop."
The cost for the cameras will run about $30,000, which Thompson will request during budget sessions this summer. He said that if the budget item is approved, his department would install up to 10 cameras at various points in Towle Park.
Thompson said that the cameras would be situated to avoid becoming targets for vandals.
"They will be housed higher up, and if they beat up a camera, hopefully we'll catch it on another one," Thompson said. "With the cost of each camera, any criminal mischief to them would most likely be a felony."
Thompson said installing surveillance equipment is less expensive than having a deputy or police officer posted in the park or hiring a private security firm.
"We have cameras all over the courthouse, and we need something to cut down the vandalism," Precinct 4 Commissioner Chloanne Lindsey said. "It's getting worse and costing all the taxpayers of the county."
Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Williams said he wanted to do what is necessary to stop the vandalism, but wanted to look at other alternatives.
"I'd like to see if we can find something that doesn't cost as much and doesn't invade our privacy."
Budget sessions will be ongoing this summer, with final commissioners court approval set in the fall.
Parks Director Larry Thompson said it is the only way he can think of to protect the community assets in the park.
"People just don't want to get involved," Thompson said of the vandalism in the park. "With the cameras, we're hoping that if we catch a few people, it will stop."
The cost for the cameras will run about $30,000, which Thompson will request during budget sessions this summer. He said that if the budget item is approved, his department would install up to 10 cameras at various points in Towle Park.
Thompson said that the cameras would be situated to avoid becoming targets for vandals.
"They will be housed higher up, and if they beat up a camera, hopefully we'll catch it on another one," Thompson said. "With the cost of each camera, any criminal mischief to them would most likely be a felony."
Thompson said installing surveillance equipment is less expensive than having a deputy or police officer posted in the park or hiring a private security firm.
"We have cameras all over the courthouse, and we need something to cut down the vandalism," Precinct 4 Commissioner Chloanne Lindsey said. "It's getting worse and costing all the taxpayers of the county."
Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Williams said he wanted to do what is necessary to stop the vandalism, but wanted to look at other alternatives.
"I'd like to see if we can find something that doesn't cost as much and doesn't invade our privacy."
Budget sessions will be ongoing this summer, with final commissioners court approval set in the fall.
