Cameras headed to James Street

By Joleen Ferris

Story Created: Feb 20, 2008 at 12:49 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 25, 2008 at 10:31 AM EDT

UTICA - The Utica Police Department and Oneida County D.A.'s office are placing several cameras along what's become a hotbed of crime recently - Utica's James Street.

It came as no great surprise to anyone in law enforcement when crime-mapping revealed that James Street was a problem area that required a lot of police attention.

One of the more recent, high profile incidents was in September when a Utica Police Officer responded to a call there and was assaulted by several people including one teenager who recently pleaded guilty.

Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara hopes that having a potentially live audience of police officers and prosecutors will discourage crime on James Street

"What we're really hoping is...obviously...we'll be able to catch some people who commit crimes," McNamara said. "But it will also make the community feel safer. People will feel safer in that area and really that's what we're looking for."

The cameras will stream live into the Utica Police Station, Oneida County D.A.'s Office and the County Drug Task Force. They can be monitored live at any time. But the D.A.'s office won't be hiring anyone dedicated to watching them at all times.
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