New cameras on Pennsylvania Avenue add to recent crime camera expansion.

Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was joined by Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld, III, representatives from Howard County, community leaders, and elected officials to announce an expansion of CitiWatch, the city’s actively-monitored crime camera program. The Mayor took part in the installation of one of twelve new cameras along Pennsylvania Avenue. The new cameras and supporting infrastructure is funded by a Federal Justice Assistance Block Grant and the One Maryland Broadband grant, which is administered by Howard County.

The camera expansion builds on Mayor Rawlings-Blake’s continued investment in public safety. With the Pennsylvania Avenue expansion, 60 new crime cameras have been added to the CitiWatch network during the Mayor's first 18 months in office, increasing the total number of cameras to 538. Last month, Mayor Rawlings-Blake announced a planned expansion of CitiWatch, along major thoroughfares in the Coldstream Homestead Montebello, South Clifton Park and Darley Park Neighborhood to add an additional 30 new cameras.

“Our CitiWatch program has been instrumental in supporting the work of the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department to reduce violent crime. The cameras are a force-multiplier that enable us to do more to protect the citizens of Baltimore,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “I want to thank our state, federal and local partners for their support of this vital crime prevention tool.”

In 2010, CitiWatch participated in over 1,282 arrests. CitiWatch initiated over 125 arrests for violent crimes including robberies, assaults and illegal gun possession. Despite a difficult budget deficit, The Mayor’s Fiscal 2012 Budget fully funds the operation of the crime camera program, which has been shown to reduce crime by 25% in covered areas. The budget also funds an aggressive plan to hire 300 new police officers.