Between 2018 and 2020, 64 simple assaults, 39 aggravated assaults and 34 acts of shoplifting have occurred in Johnson Cityâs downtown area. As a deterrent against future crimes and to preserve public spaces, the city is now considering whether to install video surveillance downtown. Members of the cityâs staff presented a plan to commissioners on Thursday. Under that proposal, cameras would be positioned to cover East Main Street, Spring Street, Tipton Street, the downtown breezeway at 216 E. Main St. and the Downtown Square and Cherry Street parking lots. Commissioners did not take action on the proposal. Under the option recently presented to commissioners, staff expects the total cost of installation would be about $73,000.