Calling on the City of Philadelphia to explore the funding of a pilot program for free doorbell cameras to enhance public safety in the City of Philadelphia.

Calling on the City of Philadelphia to explore the funding of a pilot program for free doorbell cameras to enhance public safety in the City of Philadelphia. WHEREAS, In January 2023, the Freeport, Illinois City Council approved a resolution to develop a doorbell camera program for their local police department after a woman donated surveillance cameras to the police department after losing her son to gun violence; and WHEREAS, The city purchased 35 cameras and handed them out to residents on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the Freeport Council used data from the Freeport Police Department and Shotspotter technology to identify sections of the city where additional surveillance was needed; and WHEREAS, These cameras have been instrumental in solving crimes in Freeport, providing a unique opportunity to help police reduce crimes in these cities, combatting violence and improving communication between law enforcement and residents; and WHEREAS, The cameras identify crime hotspots and help the police with identification and apprehension of suspects. Doorbell cameras have been used to not just solve crimes but to deter crime. As crime deterrents these cameras provide residents and law enforcement with increased visibility into neighborhoods most affected by crime; and WHEREAS, Freeport’s efforts mimicked those of several other U.S. cities the year prior, including Portsmouth, Virginia; Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Daytona Beach, Florida to combat car break-ins, package theft and…