The "policing cameras" have been credited with solving major crimes. While they've been around for a few years police are now turning their focus to certain areas and time frames.
Signs are posted on the very same pole where the cameras are mounted and have been since 2006. Drivers and pedestrians will soon see new signs- larger, brighter and more "eye-catching." Police hope they'll catch some attention.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said, "It doesn't seem like the message is getting out there that people are being watched in particular areas and we've got to do a better job of that, of actively monitoring those but also letting folks know the cameras are present."
The video policing cameras are everywhere and were strategically placed in specific locations a focused eye on the areas that officers need to watch.
Chief Jerry Dyer said, "There's a lot of reasons for that, crime rates drive where we put our cameras, but also that's where our infrastructure is that allows us to utilize our wireless capabilities."
The cameras captured a shooting back in 2008. The surveillance video played a key role in prosecuting the gunman. 5 years later those cameras are still credited for deterring crime, and 5 years later police say their usage needs to be maximized.
The Downtown Fresno Partnership is working with police to get the message out.
Kate Borders, the President and CEO of the Partnership said, "We're not looking to replace the smaller ones on the street poles where the physical cameras are located but to indicate to people all over downtown that the cameras have a farther reach then the physical place where they're mounted."
There are 100 new signs in Spanish and English and placed in areas where they know you'll see them, whether you're driving or walking. They're hoping to capture crime in every corner of the city.
In the next few weeks, there may be even more cameras. These ones will be monitored by Fresno State University police and can even be accessed from an officer's smart phone.
