Lewiston Police Department Implements Surveillance Cameras to Address Crime

Introduction

The Lewiston Police Department in Maine is initiating a new surveillance camera program aimed at reducing crime rates in the city, which is the state’s second-largest. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Project Overview

1. Funding and Equipment
   • The department received a $70,000 federal grant on June 17 to fund the installation of 14 new portable surveillance cameras.
   • The cameras will be strategically placed on city buildings, utility poles, and street signs.
   • The grant enables expansion and upgrading of current surveillance systems without requiring matching city funds.
2. Deployment Strategy
   • Cameras will initially be deployed in high crime and high call volume areas.
   • They will be relocated as necessary to respond to changing crime patterns.

Expected Impact on Crime Reduction

• The Lewiston Police Department anticipates that the cameras will help lower crime rates and reduce emergency call volumes in targeted areas.
• This initiative supports SDG 16 by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies through enhanced public safety measures.
• Lieutenant Derrick St. Laurent emphasized that community cooperation is essential, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable crime reduction.

Community Reactions

• Supportive Views: Some residents, such as Shannon Dow, expressed hope that the cameras will contribute to lowering crime rates.
• Skeptical Views: Others, including Bronte Barlow, questioned the effectiveness of surveillance cameras in changing criminal behavior.

Concerns Regarding Civil Rights

• Michael Kebede, Policy Counsel for the ACLU of Maine, raised concerns about potential infringements on First Amendment rights, emphasizing the need to balance public safety with constitutional freedoms.
• The police department assured the public that facial recognition technology will not be used, addressing privacy concerns.

Implementation Timeline

• The surveillance cameras are expected to be operational by mid to late summer.

Conclusion

The Lewiston Police Department’s surveillance camera initiative represents a strategic effort to enhance public safety and contribute to sustainable urban development. By integrating technology with community engagement, the project supports the achievement of SDG 11 and SDG 16, fostering safer, more resilient communities while respecting civil liberties.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses efforts to reduce crime and improve safety in Lewiston, which aligns with SDG 11’s aim to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The focus on crime reduction, law enforcement, and community cooperation relates directly to SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and effective institutions.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The deployment of new surveillance technology funded by a federal grant touches on SDG 9, which includes building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable groups. (Implied through efforts to create safer public spaces by reducing crime.)
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety. (Indirectly related as safer public spaces contribute to safer transport environments.)
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. (Directly related to the goal of lowering crime rates through surveillance.)
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. (Implied through the police department’s efforts to improve safety while addressing community concerns.)
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. (Relevant due to concerns about free speech and privacy raised in the article.)
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries. (Partially relevant as the article discusses upgrading surveillance technology.)

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Crime Rate Statistics
   • The article implies measuring the reduction in crime rates in Lewiston as a key indicator of success for the surveillance camera initiative.
2. Call Volume to Police
   • Reduction in call volume in high crime areas is mentioned as a hoped-for outcome, serving as an operational indicator of decreased incidents.
3. Community Cooperation and Engagement
   • Level of community participation and cooperation in investigations is highlighted as important, which could be measured through surveys or participation rates.
4. Protection of Constitutional Rights
   • Concerns about free speech rights imply monitoring any negative impacts on civil liberties, which could be assessed through legal reviews or complaints related to surveillance.
5. Technology Deployment and Usage
   • Number of cameras installed and operational status by mid to late summer can be tracked as an indicator of infrastructure development.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wgme.com