The Chatham-Kent Police Services Board is considering a donation from the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA to help tackle crime in downtown Chatham.
The BIA is committing to provide $15,000 to CK police in 2025 and another $15,000 in 2026 to further support crime prevention initiatives and safety in the downtown area of Chatham with the possibility that a further financial commitment will be provided beyond 2026.
Police administration is recommending that the $30,000 donation be directed to further enhancing an "already successful" Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) program in downtown Chatham.
The donation would cover the capital and annual operating costs for an additional 12 cameras at three locations for two years.
"At the conclusion of the two years, the Service has the option of discontinuing the use of the cameras, seeking further donations from the BIA, or to allocate budget resources towards the sites to keep them operational," wrote Deputy Chief of Police Jason Chickowski in a report going before the Chatham-Kent Police Services Board of Directors for approval on Tuesday morning.
Police Chief Kirk Earley has reviewed the BIA's request and believes that a donation supporting this CCTV enhancement will deter crime and benefit investigators.
Some BIA members noted "significant benefits" with the recent installation of CCTV cameras that have "undoubtedly" had a major positive impact on their respective businesses and positive outcomes for investigations.