AUSTIN -- Four cameras along Rundberg Lane and Interstate 35 are helping Austin police catch criminals.
The most recent crime happened Sunday night. Police say a man was shot trying to buy drugs underneath the I-35 overpass.
“The shooting itself did not get captured, but there were some partial things that were captured and forwarded to the investigative unit for follow up,” said Austin Police Commander Troy Gay.
Since police started monitoring the cameras July 28, officers have made 16 arrests. They have written an additional 10 tickets for everything from drug paraphernalia possession to having an outstanding warrant.
“I think for that particular area we have been very satisfied with the results of the cameras,” said Gay.
The cameras can pan, tilt, and zoom. They are controlled through a state-of-the-art crime center at the Austin Police Department where nine officers monitor them. They monitored activity 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We have noticed by watching the cameras that activity has decreased,” explained Gay. “We have seen the foot traffic in that area slow down immensely.”
Dusty McCormick lives nearby. He calls the cameras a welcome addition.
“I think it's a good thing to help fight crime,” he said.
However, he does not believe his neighborhood is any safer.
“I can tell you what I see in the neighborhood, and I have not seen any particular change,” he said.
McCormick hopes APD’s newest crime-fighting tool will one day put a stop to criminal activity in the area, making it safe play for people day and night.
By Halloween, 29 more cameras will be placed in downtown Austin, once again giving officers more eyes in the sky to help put a stop to crime.
