Additional exterior surveillance cameras will soon be added to South Cesar Chavez Drive from West National Avenue to West Greenfield Avenue on Milwaukee’s south side, Alderman Bob Donovan announced.
The cameras are being provided by the Cesar Chavez Business Improvement District and Operation Impact, an endeavor founded by Donovan to enhance public safety on the south side. Operation Impact solicits private donations to pay for security cameras and police overtime for additional patrols in the neighborhood.
The surveillance cameras help deter theft, robbery, assault, drug activity, loitering, prostitution and other types of crime, Donovan said. The cameras will be monitored by Milwaukee police officers.
“The businesses along Chavez Drive have stepped up and have said, ‘We want to enhance public safety for our customers, our patrons and our neighbors,'” Donovan said.
Previously, Operation Impact cameras have been installed in 18 other locations in a targeted area bounded by West Pierce Street on the north, West Lincoln Avenue on the south, South 16th Street/South Cesar Chavez Drive on the east and South 38th Street on the west.
“Just as Operation Impact cameras have done in (the) 18 other locations in the target area, I am confident the cameras along Chavez Drive will also provide another effective tool to bolster public safety, and as zero cost to taxpayers,” Donovan said.
A spokeswoman for the Milwaukee Police Department could not be reached for comment.