Five more cameras might be added to address crimes like vandalism and counterfeit cash circulation.
LAKELAND, Fla. — The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) is planning to expand its surveillance camera network downtown despite some ongoing debate and some lingering concerns over privacy.
The LDDA, which installed 14 cameras last year for $115,000, is discussing plans to add five more to enhance security and address crimes like vandalism and counterfeit cash circulation.
The expansion comes after the controversial use of facial recognition software was disabled in April 2024 following an ACLU lawsuit threat.
Local opinions remain divided. Elijah Brown, a downtown worker, expressed discomfort.
“It’s sort of an invasion of privacy,” he said. Meanwhile, resident Andrea Glasgow supports the initiative.
“I don’t commit crime, so I don’t have a problem with it,” she said.
Business operator Jared Law praised the cameras’ effectiveness in solving crimes and improving safety for merchants. …