LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Crime fighting efforts are getting a big boost in one part of Luzerne County with the expansion of a hi-tech police camera system.
It’s called the “flock camera system” Hazleton City police launched it two years ago and they say it has helped solve and prevent crimes.
“It’s profound. If we don’t make some type of arrest because of the system at least a minimum of twice a week, I’m shocked,” said Hazleton City Police Chief Brian Schoonmaker.
That translates into hundreds of arrests as well as providing leads to help solve crimes in the city and beyond including other states. So says Hazleton City Police Chief Brian Schoonmaker. There are 54 cameras located throughout the city. Including at entrance and exit routes.
“What it does is it gives all of our officers as well as municipalities an extra set of eyes. It’s always out there 24-7. Monitoring and alerts us to sex offenders, stolen vehicles, and missing persons,” Chief Schoonmaker added.
Butler Township which has been using information forwarded to its officers from Hazleton will soon add six cameras that will be tied into the HPD system.
“Our officers have had approximately two to four arrests per month based on information that was coming out of Hazleton,” explained Chief Feissner
Chief Bill Feissner says they will purchase six cameras to increase anti-crime efforts.
“We are a corridor between Hazleton and Interstate 80 and we are seeing a major uptick over the past few years of criminal activity from the New York metropolitan region and the Philadelphia region,” said Chief Feissner.
Steve Martonick owns an auto repair and towing company in Sugarloaf Township which just installed flock cameras. 28/ 22 News asked what he thinks about the expansion of the camera system.
“I think it’s a good idea you know, especially on this corridor. I know there’s a lot of drug trafficking going up through here. You know a police presence is the biggest deterrent and the addition of these tools they need to do to keep the community safe,” Martonick explained.
