LAKELAND ― In the upcoming weeks, 14 security cameras will be added to Downtown Lakeland buildings to provide “additional eyes” on the city’s sidewalks, streets and alleyways.
The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority will purchase the 360-degree cameras manufactured by Verkada, a San Mateo, California-based company, through local resaler Boring Business Solutions in Lakeland.
“The goal of those cameras is to decreased the undesirable behaviors that negatively impact our public and private spaces,” Julie Townsend, LDDA’s executive director, said at the organization’s Thursday meeting.
Townsend said LDDA staff have approached several businesses and building owners about installing an exterior video camera over the past year. It’s the agency’s latest attempt to increase security measures across the downtown business district.
Tony Davila, LDDA’s clean and safe manager, said the agency was attracted to using Verkada’s cameras because the company offers 24/7 service and is the only company in the industry to offer a 10-year warranty. It allows unlimited users to have access to the 4K camera footage, which is stored in a cloud. The devices do not record audio.