Montco DA's Office to Install Cameras In High-Crime Areas

NORRISTOWN, PA — The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has presented plans to the Pottstown Borough Council to install video cameras in high crime areas, the DA's office has announced.

The cameras would be monitored around the clock by the Pottstown Police Department.

Brianna Ringwood, Assistant District Attorney and Captain of the DA’s Community Prosecution
Unit in Pottstown, discussed the plan at the meeting. She said that 10 cameras will be installed initially in stationary positions, according to the press release.

“Cameras like the ones to be installed in Pottstown have the capability of producing clear images by day and by night and have been proven to be key tools in apprehending suspects and aiding investigations prosecutions,” said Ringwood. “Real-time monitoring by police is a key element to the effectiveness of the cameras.”

All cameras will be positioned to display public views of streets and sidewalks—exactly what an officer or anyone else would see who was physically present onsite— and each camera will be connected to a wireless network with images monitored in real time from the dispatch room in the Pottstown Police Department, the DA said.

“I’m a big fan of all technology, and cameras are the wave of the future for policing,” said Pottstown Police Chief Richard Drumheller. “This system is like assigning a mini-patrol officer to watch your street 24/7.”

Installation is expected to take approximately two months.

The investment is being funded by the DA's office.