Allentown Mayor Ed Pawloski Credits Partnership With Communication Systems, Inc. For Sinking Crime Statistics In Allentown

This content was originally posted in 2008. An update on the Mayor's endorsement of CSI is here.

The original posting appears below.

When Mayor Pawlowski took the Allentown mayoral seat in 2006, one of his first initiatives was to implement solutions to make the streets of the downtown area free from crime. The area, which has been become more commonly recognized for its high crime statistics rather than the cultural hub it once was, has, as a result been suffering economically for several years. Pawlowski knew he needed more eyes and ears on the streets, and adding more than 70 new officers during the past four years was only the beginning of what Pawlowski had in mind. The streets of downtown Allentown needed full time surveillance, so Pawlowski and his officials sought the help of Allentown based, custom technology systems integrators, Communication Systems, Inc. (CSI).

The security specialists and engineers with CSI began working with Pawlowski and his staff to map out a plan to install surveillance equipment throughout the city streets, focusing on high-crime areas and locations where security concerns were beginning to impact business.

Because of the scope of the project, the surveillance equipment was first installed in the "Weed and Seed" area of the city. In the first eighteen-months of operation, the return on this technological investment paid off when nearly 30 individuals involved in criminal activity captured on the cameras, were apprehended.

Most impressive, the information captured on the CSI cameras helped to solve the murder of 23-year-old Mark Holdren of Palmerton. This past May, Holdren was stabbed to death in a robbery attempt on the street of Allentown. Because of the quality of the images caught on the equipment, police were able to make an arrest within five hours.

The cameras, which are mounted on buildings, traffic signals and utility poles, are constantly monitored by trained dispatchers at the city's 911 Communications Center. The dispatchers can control the custom engineered cameras to move, tilt and even zoom in to monitor suspicious activity. Data from the cameras is saved for investigations and evidence when needed.

"The cameras have been invaluable," says Pawlowski in an email sent earlier this week to members of his "Friends of Ed Pawlowski" eNewsletter list ."You can see the results. They have been used to identify crimes in progress and they have been used to solve crimes. Additionally they have deterred criminals who know they have to go elsewhere to ply their trade."

Allentown Police Chief Roger MacLean concurs with Pawlowski's sentiment regarding effectiveness and value of the CSI technology, "The cameras have been the source of very beneficial information; they are of value to us every single day."

The relationship between the City of Allentown and CSI continues to mature. New doors are beginning to open in terms of crime fighting technology throughout the city. CSI's secured wireless network is also expanding, along with the cameras, to the farthest reaches of Allentown, outlining the implementation of new cutting edge security technology on the horizon.

Many view the streets of Allentown as having become much safer since Pawlowski first took office. Local areas business is beginning to pick up as visitors and residents alike notice an overall improvement in the quality of life, including less graffiti and general nuisance crimes, in the area.

Lucy Bloise, Marketing Director for Allentown Symphony Halls states that, "Since people know the camera are out here, and actually making a difference, they are more comfortable coming out on a Friday night to see a Jazz Cabaret show."