HOUSTON – West University Place will be placing dozens of cameras around the city's boundaries to record visitors and cut down on crime.
Here's a look at why and when:
WHY ARE THE CAMERAS NECESSARY?
West University Place Police Chief Ken Walker said the city will need more officers in the next five years, but finding qualified candidates is becoming more and more difficult.
"I think in the long run it will be a lot more cost-efficient to invest in technology instead of people," he said.
WHERE WILL THE CAMERAS GO?
The city wants to create a "virtual gate" around West U., posting the cameras all along its perimeter at busy intersections that lead into and out of the city.
"On our perimeter are very busy streets and a freeway, so it's easy entrance and exit for people who are looking to commit crimes," Mayor Susan Sample said.
WHAT WILL THEY DO?
The cameras will read license plate information and send an alert to West U. police dispatchers if a plate is linked to a person or vehicle they are looking for.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The city budgeted $4.2 million for the four- to five-year project.
WHEN WILL THEY GO UP?
Work on infrastructure for the cameras will begin in 2018.