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Bronx, NY – On Monday, September 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined NYPD Deputy Chief Keiyon S. Ramsey; the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development; and other leaders on the Steps of Borough Hall at 851 Grand Concourse to announce her FY 2025 allocation of nearly $400,000 for new state-of-the-art surveillance cameras, and a new Mobile Command Van, to support public safety efforts in the borough.
“I am proud to invest $395,000 in our borough`s public safety efforts, which include funding for a borough-wide mobile command unit and security cameras,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Today`s announcement is a critical part of our ongoing commitment to combat crime and ensure that every resident feels safe in their home and on our streets. Together, we will deploy these cameras strategically, ensuring that they are placed in areas that will have the most impact. Our collaboration with the NYPD will not only help in crime prevention but also in building trust between law enforcement and our communities.”
During the announcement, the Borough President emphasized the need for proactive safety measures and the importance of community involvement in public safety.
- The new surveillance cameras will be strategically placed in areas with a significant need to deter crime and assist law enforcement.
- The Mobile Command Van will enable the NYPD to respond swiftly to incidents, offering a centralized hub for operations during emergencies.
In addition to the $395,000 allocation, the Borough President also announced funding in her FY`2025 budget for security cameras at select schools in the borough to enhance school safety measures for students and educators.
“While technology is an essential component of our safety strategy, it is not the only one. We need to invest in our youth and provide them with programming that engages, educates, and empowers. By offering our young people constructive activities and mentorship, we can help steer them away from crime and toward success. We also need our colleagues in government and faith-based leaders to join us in this mission. Together, we can create a united front against crime and violence,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.
“Not only a deterrent, oftentimes cameras may be the only voice a victim has, and can serve as a lead for us to go on when tragic things happen,” said NYPD Deputy Chief Keiyon S. Ramsey. “A good camera system can assist in driving crime down. Somebody will not commit a crime if they look up and see a camera. Obviously, there are people still wearing masks and are hiding from cameras, but overall, neighborhoods do better when there are cameras. I want to thank the Borough President Gibson for this investment in the work that we do in keeping the communities of the Bronx safe.”
“From the streets to our schools, public safety is a top priority of Mayor Adams and agencies like DYCD, which oversees the Office of Neighborhood Safety,” said New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard. “Whether working with our Cure Violence partners to keep young people engaged and safe, or our focus on the precincts with the highest levels of gun violence, DYCD is appreciative of initiatives that break down silos, and work toward the common good, we are eager to continue our partnerships with Borough President Gibson and the NYPD, as we work side-by-side to keep New York the safest big city in the nation.”
“We need to prevent violent crime in our community which has been enduring far too many shootings,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. “Having these cameras and the mobile unit will assist greatly in making our streets safe. The people of the Bronx deserve nothing less. Thank you, Borough President Gibson, for securing the funds to support our police.”
“Public safety has long been a challenge in the Bronx, and unfortunately, recent events have only heightened these concerns,” said New York State Assembly Member Landon Dais. “Recently, we lost two members of our community to gun violence within 24 hours and the perpetrators remain unknown. Borough-wide cameras and mobile command vehicles are crucial steps toward restoring a sense of safety in our neighborhoods. These tools will enhance accountability, promote transparency, and ensure that we do not live in fear. I applaud our Borough President for committing these resources and helping us build a safer, more secure Bronx.”
“I want to thank Borough President Gibson for this much-needed investment in our public safety,” said New York City Council Member Kristy Marmorato. “Our NYPD has long needed these resources, and this funding marks an important step in addressing those needs. I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that even more resources are allocated to support our public safety, our communities, and our NYPD. This is just the beginning of the investments we need to keep our neighborhoods safe, secure, and thriving.”
“Our city has made progress on the issue of safety, but that progress has not reached every community — including many neighborhoods in the Bronx,” said New York City Council Member Oswald Feliz. “Installing NYPD security cameras is an important step that can help deter and reduce crime and help promote safety in our communities. I applaud Bronx Borough President Gibson for this initiative and look forward to continuing to work to improve safety in the Bronx.”
“I applaud Borough President Vanessa Gibson for her leadership on this important issue,” said New York State Assembly Member Karines Reyes, R.N., Chair of the NYS Assembly & Senate’s Puerto Rican / Hispanic Task Force. “This allocation for security cameras at schools and strategic locations throughout the borough, and for the acquisition of a Mobile Command Unit, will be pivotal in the fight for public safety for Bronxites. I thank her for this critical investment in communities all over the Bronx, like mine, and look forward to more positive outcomes in this area.”
“Public safety is a major concern to the residents of Bronx County,” said Pastor Jay Gooding. “The announcement made today by Madame Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson securing funds to help the NYPD is a phenomenal step in decreasing violence in our borough.”
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