Myrtle Beach: A City Under Surveillance
Ever been to Myrtle Beach and felt like someone was watching you? Well, they probably are! This bustling hotspot is packed with hundreds of surveillance cameras installed throughout the city as part of its Real Time Crime system. With around 1,600 camera views and various license plate readers scattered across the area, it’s fair to say your chances of being caught on camera while driving around are pretty darn high.
Keeping It Safe
The primary goal of these cameras is to assist local police in ensuring safety on the roads. According to the police public information officer, Randolph Angotti, the system plays a crucial role in reducing crime and helping resolve vehicle accidents. The idea behind the Real Time Crime system is simple: to both solve and deter crime. And as residents and visitors alike traverse the local roads, those cameras are keeping a watchful eye.
No Speed Traps Here
But, wait! Before you start worrying about getting ticketed for speeding or running a red light, there’s some good news. South Carolina doesn’t allow automated road safety cameras, often known as red-light or speed cameras. These types of cameras snap pictures of drivers and their license plates, sending tickets directly to the driver’s registered address. However, Myrtle Beach’s camera system is not used for that purpose. Angotti reassures everyone that while the cameras assist in car-related incidents, they’re not in the business of catching speeders or red-light runners.
A Brief History
The Real Time Crime Center kicked off in 2015 with an impressive 600 cameras and 15 license plate readers, totaling a cost of $3.5 million. Over the years, the exact number of cameras has remained somewhat murky, but by 2019, reports indicated there were around 800 cameras in place. Residents in areas like the Market Common have recently voiced concerns after noticing new cameras in their neighborhoods. This wave of skepticism prompted a city official to make a Facebook post to clarify the purpose of the cameras.
In a recent statement, city officials disclosed plans for an *expansion* of the Real Time Crime system, highlighting that there are over 60 identified locations within The Market Common for future camera installations, which will add an additional 240 camera views by 2025 and beyond.
Real-Time Monitoring
So, what exactly are the people behind the cameras up to? The Real Time Crime Center is manned by dedicated analysts who keep an eye on the feeds. They’re not there to take emergency calls like regular dispatchers, but they work closely with officers on the field, who might reach out when specific footage is needed for an investigation.
“They’re there for the safety of our residents and visitors,” expresses Meredith Denari, the city’s director of communications and creative services. She strengthens this sentiment, saying, “If the Real Time Crime system were not making a difference, it would not continue to grow at the rate that it has.”
In summary, Myrtle Beach is proactively tackling public safety while simultaneously keeping an eye on crime patterns. With surveillance technology on the rise, the coastal city seems determined to ensure that both residents and visitors feel safe – even if that means being on camera. So next time you hit the road in Myrtle Beach, remember: you’re in the sight of a whole lot of watchful eyes! Who knows, you may just be the star of the next crime-fighting episode.
