The River Forest Village Board has authorized spending $63,370 to “optimize” its street camera program that provides surveillance camera throughout the village.
The board on Nov. 18 unanimously and without discussion approved a contract with Griffon Systems, the existing vendor and system manager.
In a memo to Matt Walsh, village administrator, police Chief Jim O’Shea explained that Griffon will update aging communications infrastructure, fill in coverage gaps, replace obsolete and out of warranty cameras and improve weak communication signals.
This is considered to be the final phase of a four-phase program. Previously, in 2022 and 2023, cameras were installed in three zones: south, middle and north. The high-definition cameras were installed on main streets. They are motion-activated and operational around the clock. Images are retained for 90 days. O’Shea said previously that the cameras are not speed cameras or red-light cameras and do not have the capability to provide license plate images.
“The Village Street Camera System has been a very successful force multiplier, crime prevention tool, evidence-gathering application, police accountability device and overall situational awareness tool throughout all areas of the village,” O’Shea said in the memo.
With the vote, the village board authorized village staff to implement the Avigilon System Street Camera Program Optimization Phase 4, as scheduled in the FY2025 Capital Improvement Plan. This includes the updates and replacement of equipment, plus related hardware and software, as well as installation and implementation of all affected equipment.
O’Shea said the “timely and dedicated” maintenance of the street camera system supports the guiding principles of the village to provide a safe community and strengthen the quality of life.
“Maintaining, improving and strategically deploying this advanced technology works … to support overall public safety and law enforcement efforts,” he said. “Public camera systems are considered a cost-effective way to deter, document and reduce crime.
“In addition, this system helps provide enhanced customer service to victims of crimes and helps develop crime-prevention strategies,” he said. “Street camera systems also further transparency and accountability in government operations.”
During previous discussions regarding the program, O’Shea spoke highly of the technology, and the vendor noted that the program helps other adjacent police departments that may be pursuing a vehicle that crosses a municipal boundary.