Wireless Surveillance Cameras Installed in Memorial Park

A few curious readers lately have asked, "What's with that new pole in Memorial Park? You know, behind the library?"

We swung down to town to take a look and, sure enough, there was the brand-spanking-new pole with what looks like several cameras attached at the top.

Township Administrator Joseph Manning directed us to Chief of Police Robert J. Cimino for the answer. Cimino was swift with his response: "The system you have identified was installed in Memorial Park within the last 30 days. It is part of a Township Public Safety Security System that is administered by the Maplewood Police Department. It is our policy to not discuss the components or capabilities of that system."

This particular component of the system appears to be one that was voted on by the Township Committee on July 6, 2010, according to the News-Record. At that time, the Town awarded a contract for $25,433 to Robinsville-based New Jersey Business Systems Inc. to install a wireless video system in Memorial Park. The money was allocated by Maplewood’s Open Space Trust Fund, Manning told the News-Record.

Mayor Vic DeLuca and other members of the Township Committee are quoted as saying the cameras would enhance feelings of safety and use of the park. DeLuca also noted that there were surveillance cameras in several locations throughout Maplewood, though he did not reveal where.

The camera system was installed as part of "a policy decision officials approved a few years ago."

Read more about the system in the News-Record.