The Clarendon Hills Village Board has approved a contract, not to exceed $96,500, for the installation and configuration of a new surveillance camera system that will monitor public areas throughout the village’s downtown.
The new system includes a recording server and wireless connectivity needed to link the Police Department with cameras mounted on light and utility poles throughout the downtown business district. Officials said the new system is a server-based, point to point camera system that will be contained to the village. Officials confirmed they are not part of a larger network such as automated license plate readers marketed by Flock Safety and other firms, which have caused controversy in other Chicago area towns.
The current surveillance camera system in Clarendon Hills has been in service for approximately eight years, with the focus being on monitoring the train crossing in the center of the village, along with limited areas of the central business district.
Police Chief Ed Leinweber said the current camera system isn’t reliable anymore.
“While these cameras have been helpful over the years, the system has become outdated, often unreliable, and insufficient for the needs of the department and community,” he said. “A modern, more expansive system would greatly increase our ability to monitor the existing locations as well as additional areas of downtown thoroughfares.”
Leinweber said there have been multiple instances for which the current cameras were not functional when needed most.
“The absence of a reliable public safety surveillance camera system has hindered the police department’s ability to monitor and respond to enforcement and safety concerns,” he said. “Oftentimes, incidents have occurred where cameras would be an essential tool; however, the system was down, or the visual quality was lacking.”
Leinweber said that in some cases, police have had to rely on subpar freestanding trail cams or GoPros to capture areas during surveillance or public safety projects.
“These options, while helpful in a pinch, are lacking in quality, reliability, and are labor intensive,” he said.
Every Clarendon Hills police officer is equipped with body-worn cameras; however, these only provide a limited perspective and do not allow for continuous monitoring of high-traffic public spaces, Leinweber said. The new system is intended to enhance public safety, strengthen investigative capabilities, and modernize the village’s existing surveillance infrastructure, he said.
“These upgrades will allow for real-time monitoring, faster incident response and improved investigative capabilities,” Leinweber said. “This investment is a more modern, reliable and effective tool to support public safety operations and enhance the community’s overall security.”
Leinweber said a timetable estimate has the new system scheduled for completion within six months.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
