Residents: More public input needed on York City surveillance proposal
York Dispatch
York City residents on Tuesday evening cast doubt on the legitimacy of a feasibility study looking into a citywide surveillance network, citing data based on what they said was an inadequate sampling pool.
Of the nearly 44,000 residents in York City, only roughly 200 had responded to an online survey meant to gauge the community s interest in the proposal. And those numbers come as the feasibility study led by consultant Montez Parker is already half completed, he said.
Parker was hired by Better York, a nonprofit organization, to conduct the study. The organization, along with the city and the York County District Attorney s office, raised more than $30,000 for the venture.
York City Police: Shooting surge similar to what other cities saw last spring
York Dispatch
York City Police say it s unclear what is fueling an ongoing surge in shootings that began last week, but the timing seems similar to influxes in crime that other cities experienced last year.
In the past week, there have been six reported shootings in the city. Most recently, on Monday night, a 41-year-old person was shot at a residence in the 300 block of Smyser Street and died at WellSpan York Hospital. It was the city s third homicide of the year.
Capt. Daniel Aikey, speaking at a public forum Monday evening, noted that there s often no rhyme or reason to surges in shootings. But the recent influx could have to do with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Third public forum on citywide surveillance proposal slated for Tuesday
York Dispatch
A third public forum to discuss a proposed citywide surveillance system in York City will take place Tuesday evening.
The forum is a part of a feasibility study for the proposal, which has raised concerns from some city residents and civil rights groups. The event is slated for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene s York City campus, 350 Chestnut St.
The forum will be led by Montez Parker, a consultant who was hired by Better York, a local nonprofit organization. Better York, the city and the York County District Attorney s Office raised more than $30,000 to fund the study, which is expected to be completed by mid-June.
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Public forum: Mixed reaction to York City surveillance system proposal
York Dispatch
York residents on Tuesday had mixed reactions to a proposal to monitor the city with a system of cameras.
More than 30 people gathered at the Agricultural & Industrial Museum for the first of several planned public forums about the idea. While the lead consultant for the project stated 68% of residents supported the system, according to initial online polling, feedback significantly varied at the in-person gathering.
The public forum was led by Montez Parker, who is at the helm of a feasibility study of the surveillance proposal.
Parker has experience running an international security firm and was contracted by Better York, a local nonprofit organization and lead fundraiser of the study.