Peering in: Sandusky to install security cameras on pier

SANDUSKY — As people gaze at boats departing, birds flying and the sun setting, someone from afar could also be watching them. During a recent public meeting, Sandusky city commissioners set aside about $31,700 in local funds to purchase security cameras. They'll eventually get installed in strategic places around Jackson Street Pier. Stu Hamilton, the city's IT director, explained why this occurred: • The issue: "There have been a few minor incidents involving vehicular traffic and property damage. This deployment is aimed around being pre-emptive in the protection of the city facilities and safety of our residents." • The number: "There will be a total of six cameras installed along with online door controls on all the external doors and the internal control room door." • The locations: "Four cameras will be installed on the corners of the (Mylander Pavilion) building to give a 360(-degree) view, while the other two will be installed on the western and northern sides to give a wider view." • The timing: "Unfortunately, due to the electronics shortages on top of the global distribution issues currently, we are unsure when this install will take place. We are hopeful in the next couple of months." • The central viewing: "These cameras are meant for security purposes and therefore will be available from predefined locations to assist in monitoring and also post-incident review. This will be primarily from central locations." • The necessity: "Security is a critical portion of both IT and police enforcement. As we update our locations, we review and install modern security infrastructure that not only gives us a central view of all of our locations for both surveillance and physical security but can also actively alert staff to potential issues or breaches. Continuing this investment across the city gives our police department an advanced view of incidents prior to arriving while also serving as protection for our residents." • The other spots: "Currently, we have outdoor cameras at the police department, all three fire buildings, City Hall, services center/recycling center and the transit station. We also have three mobile cameras that are deployed on an as-needed basis that are rotated around the city." • The additions: "We will continue to add cameras to city locations as we extend our fiber infrastructure. Having a fiber backbone to run this data-intensive video and online door controls is critical to keeping this tool centralized."