NORTH WILDWOOD — Mischief-makers with thoughts of causing trouble on the city’s boardwalk better think twice.
They’ll be watching.
The city’s Police Department will be keeping an even closer eye on the boardwalk with the help of a closed circuit television system.
The city voted June 6 to approve a resolution to request $38,143 from the New Jersey Enterprise Zone to fund the project. The cost for this city will be 20 percent, or a little over $7,600.
“Considering the issues with graffiti and the 9-1-1 calls, it definitely is a good idea,” said Mayor Bill Henfey. “Businesses and even someone jogging on the off season will be monitored.”
Police Chief Robert Matteucci explained that one camera would be installed about every three blocks on the North Wildwood portion of the boardwalk and monitored by a dispatcher at the police station.
“The whole system is set up similar to an Internet Web cam,” he said. “And the system is pretty inexpensive because it is Internet based.”
“Does this mean it can be accessed by anyone?” asked Councilman Joe Duncan.
“It is password protected,” responded Matteucci.
The camera system can be controlled remotely and made to stop and zoom in, Matteucci said. He added that they could also record the images and capture digital photos.
“Having cameras on the boardwalk has helped us before,” Matteucci noted and referred to incidents where the department relied on the images taken by Morey’s Piers closed circuit system.
“The concern is definitely there,” he said regarding crime on the boards. “Especially when businesses close for the night or when people are out during the off season.”
Don’t go looking for a close up anytime soon, as the cameras might not be something seen during this summer season. The city still has to go out to bid on a specific system, said Business Administrator Ray Townsend.
The city also requested $202,480 from the enterprise zone for new trashcans and benches on the boardwalk.
Contact Suit at: (609) 886-8600 ext. 25 or lsuit@cmcherald.com
