The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority is considering adding additional security cameras across the Downtown area, citing several instances where they have helped deter or solve crimes over the past year.
The LDDA installed 14 security cameras last January and February. The cameras are manufactured by Verkada, a San Mateo, California-based company, and procured through local reseller Boring Business Solutions.
Julie Townsend, the LDDA’s executive director, said the footage captured by the 360-degree Verkada security cameras has been used as a resource by the Lakeland Police Department to help solve several crimes.
Tony Davila, LDDA’s safety director, said footage captured by the video cameras has been instrumental in providing direction to help solve at least five criminal matters.
Townsend and Davila asked the agency’s board of directors whether they would consider adding five additional security cameras in key locations:
- Truist Bank, under the front awning.
- Top Buttons building, near Trader’s Alley.
- Fresco’s Southern Kitchen and Bar at Kentucky Avenue and Lemon Street.
- Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille at Kentucky Avenue and Main Street.
- Clements Wallace Building, along the alleyway.
LDDA Board member Eric “Bro” Belvin, managing partner of Linksters, asked whether the LDDA should consider turning the controversial facial recognition software built into the cameras back on. The software was disabled under intense public scrutiny and threat of legal action from the ACLU last April.
Townsend said the facial recognition software could be used to alert police when individuals suspected of passing counterfeit $50 bills are in the downtown area, potentially preventing local business owners from being scammed.
Townsend said many people misunderstand the facial recognition software. While it could track an individual’s face, if enabled, she said it does not identify the individual’s name or provide other personal information.
The LDDA’s security cameras will remain in place with the facial recognition software disabled.