MORRISTOWN, Tenn. — In a move aimed at enhancing public safety, the City of Morristown has installed three new security cameras throughout its downtown area. The initiative comes in response to concerns voiced by residents during this year’s citizen survey, in which many expressed unease about safety while shopping in the heart of the city.
The new cameras are part of a web-based system that offers live, 24-hour surveillance. The footage can be accessed both from the city’s dispatch center and the patrol supervisor’s office, providing a real-time look at activity throughout downtown.
Erica Goode, Vice President of the East Tennessee Diamond Co., a jewelry store located in downtown Morristown, welcomed the new security measures. Goode explained that the jewelry business, in particular, faces unique security challenges, and she stressed the importance of being prepared for any potential incidents.
“Being in the jewelry business, it’s very important to us,” Goode said. “Specifically, there’s a lot of things that go on around us that we personally just want to be prepared for. That’s why we want to be safe here. I have kids, and I want to make sure it’s safe for my babies.”
While crime statistics for the downtown area do not indicate a high-crime zone, recent incidents, including an arson, have contributed to growing concerns among local residents. Morristown Police Department Deputy Chief Michelle Jones acknowledged these concerns, explaining that while the numbers do not point to widespread crime, the perception of safety among citizens is a valid factor to consider.
“The crime statistics downtown do not bear out that there is a high-crime area down there,” Jones said. “But we have had an arson recently, and we’ve had a couple of incidents that may be playing into some of the respondents’ feelings of safety.”
The newly installed cameras aim to do more than simply deter crime. According to Jones, they will also assist in investigations, speed up police response times, and foster a sense of security within the community.
“Sometimes just telling people ‘hey, it’s safe, the crime statistics don’t show that there’s a problem downtown’ is just simply not enough,” Jones added. “People feel the way that they feel, so we want to be as transparent as we can. We want to have a very balanced approach to people feeling safe and secure, and being able to respond if we need to and to protect all citizens.”
In addition to the city’s efforts, local business owners are also taking steps to ensure the safety of their properties. Goode revealed that her company has also upgraded its own security measures, including additional monitoring of Main Street, the alleyway between her building and a neighboring business, as well as the back parking lot.
“We actually amped up our security as well. We put in additional monitoring on Main Street, as well as in the alley between our building and Gigi’s, and on the back parking lot,” Goode said. “So, we saw the need for it as well.”
The strategic placement of the new cameras reflects the city’s intention to focus on areas where large crowds gather, such as community events and popular downtown hotspots. By keeping an eye on these high-traffic areas, officials hope to both deter criminal activity and reassure the public that their safety is a top priority.
The addition of these security measures in downtown Morristown marks an effort to strike a balance between improving safety and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike. As the city moves forward with these measures, it remains committed to addressing the concerns of its community while fostering a sense of trust and security.
