NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – The New Orleans Police Department announced a new initiative that aims to increase the number of private security cameras throughout the city.
It’s called ‘ Adopt A Block’ and the project installed 38 cameras in the 6th District without seeking help from Project NOLA, the non-profit that already has 1,400 cameras set up throughout the city.
“Was Project NOLA consulted? Were we asked to become involved? No, not really,” says Bryan Lagarde with Project NOLA.
“This one is a registry that allows citizens to register their cameras to give us access if and when a crime occurs, we can ask them to allow us to view their footage. Project NOLA is a different entity,” says Michael Harrison, the Superintendent of Police.
And while ‘Adopt A Block’ and ProjectNOLA have the same goal, to prevent and solve crimes, the NOPD has chosen to partner with the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation instead.
And while ProjectNOLA isn’t invited, other neighborhoods with a proven track record of crimes solved due to increased surveillance, are celebrating.
Kellie Grengs and the Freret Improvement District installed several cameras years ago.
“We cannot count on our city and unfortunately, the New Orleans Police Department to do everything for us, we need to step up and take care of our households, take care of our communities,” says Kellie Grengs, Freret Improvement District.
There may be one reason why ‘Adopt A Block’ and ProjectNOLA can’t co-exist.
The NOPD’s new program requires camera owners to register with the department while Legarde wants to keep his camera owners anonymous.
“They’ve wanted out database for some time and it’s something we refuse to give up for privacy reasons,” says Legarde.