Based upon the Akron Police Department's analysis of city neighborhoods, crews from the city's Communications Division are busy installing high-tech security cameras in the Highland Square business district and on Copley Road.

Deputy Mayor for Public Safety George Romanoski said, "This is part of an ongoing and integrated security project that will make policing more effective throughout our city, indoors and out."

Romanoski went on to say that all cameras will be integrated into one system and operated by the Akron Police Department. Akron is implementing the project in phases. Phase one includes Highland Square, Copley Road west of Diagonal Road, and internally at the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center downtown.

The cost for the first phase is $210,228.

The pan-tilt-zoom color cameras installed at Highland Square are connected through wireless line of sight hookups. Cameras there and on Copley road will be continuously panning the areas once they become operational some time in October. The recorded video will be stored in them for up to two weeks to assist in police investigations.

Requests for the surveillance cameras and the recommendations for locating them have come from residents, business owners, judges and law enforcement.

The majority of the cameras on this system will be located in the Stubbs Justice Center, primarily Municipal Courts, but more neighborhood cameras are being planned, based upon ongoing evaluations by the Akron Police Department.

Akron will also add the existing cameras on South Main Street to the integrated system for smoother operation.

The city also employs video technology for traffic engineering purposes. Engineers monitor traffic flow in certain areas of the city and help alleviate congestion and help motorists better navigate road construction and detours through the use of the cameras and the accompanying monitoring station.