Cameras installed across Gadsden to catch and deter people littering, illegal dumping
The first of many cameras have been installed in Gadsden to catch and ultimately deter people from participating in littering and illegal dumping.
Old food, furniture, and tires can be found next to roads across the city, like Bretwood Drive and Cross Street. Cross Street was one of the first locations to get the new cameras and signs that read "area under video surveillance."
Cross Street is in District 3, which had the most requests for cameras.
"Almost every street in District 3 has a problem," said Larry Avery, District 3 Councilman. "The good thing about the cameras is that we can transfer them from one area to another area. Probably the next street, there is another problem area and then after that, the next street is another problem area, unfortunately."
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60 cameras will be dispersed across every district throughout the city to help identify the people committing these crimes.
The city's environmental enforcement officer has played a big role, too.
"He goes through garbage, trash and he finds any name that's on there or any type of identifying information. He will track you down. He will come and knock on your door and he will present you with your litter and also issue you a citation for you to show up in court. It is illegal to just dump litter. People just tend to think that's okay," said Tena King, the city's Director of City Services.
In February, penalties for littering were upped. If convicted, a person can be fined up to $1,000 in addition to community service or even jail time.
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"We have seen a large increase in the number of people that are coming to court for illegal dumping," said King.
"The community is serious about catching those that are doing this," said Avery.
Having a clean community impacts various aspects of the city.
"It matters when it comes to recruiting businesses. It matters when it comes to even moving residents back into the city. Advertising to create affordable housing," said Avery. "No, this is not us. We are defending our community. We are defending our stance. We are defending our businesses and our homes to let people know that this is not us. This is not what we are about and we are not in favor of our community looking like this."
There are plans to get the District 3 community involved with clean-up days in June, July, and August. Specific dates will be announced at a later time.
According to King, the cameras cost $14,000 to 15,000 dollars plus monthly fees.