Downtown Chatham is getting more Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras thanks to a donation from a well-known developer.
The Chatham-Kent Police Services (CKPS) has accepted a $50,000 donation from 100 King Street CK Holdings Inc. to help tackle crime in Chatham's core.
The donor is the group redeveloping the mall in downtown Chatham.
The $50,000 will cover the capital and annual operating costs for three years for an additional four cameras, to bring the total to 16 cameras in downtown Chatham
The group has committed to providing CK police $30,000 this year and a further $10,000 both next year and the year after to further support crime prevention initiatives and safety in the downtown area.
CK police has the option to discontinue the four cameras at the end of the three years, seek further donations from 100 King Street CK Holdings, or pay for the four cameras out of their own budget.
"A donation supporting this CCTV enhancement will provide crime deterrence and investigative benefit to the community and service," said CK Police Chief Kirk Earley, adding that 100 King Street CK Holdings is a reputable entity that has made considerable contributions to the downtown core and other locations within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
The police services board accepted the donation on Wednesday at its monthly meeting, saying it's supportive of the objectives and priorities of the board; does not include any binding conditions attached; will not commit the service to additional, unbudgeted resources; and would not compromise the integrity, objectivity or impartiality of the service.
The Chatham-Kent BIA also made a donation earlier this year to enhance safety in the downtown core.
