Columbia’s city manager is pleased with the council’s recent 5-2 vote to authorize the purchase of camera systems for Columbia Police and for Columbia Parks and Recreation.
First ward councilwoman Valerie Carroll and third ward councilman Roy Lovelady cast the “no” votes. City manager De’Carlon Seewood tells 939 the Eagle that the cameras will improve public safety:
“Once they’re up, once they’re in, once they’re in operation, it will be a seamless process. It will be that force multiplier, it will help us make sure that we have eyes on what’s going on in our community,” Mr. Seewood says.
The Columbia Board of Realtors, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Boone County prosecutor Roger Johnson and others urged the council to support the Flock camera system. Critics include attorney Dan Viets, who says this is different than just expanding license plate readers.
Mr. Seewood tells 939 the Eagle that he expects the cameras to be installed by early 2025:
“It will probably take maybe about three to four months to get it completely (inaudible) throughout the city,” Mr. Seewood says.
