Monterey town cameras provide 24/7 neighborhood watch to small town

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The small town of Monterey in Pulaski County updated security recently.

New high-definition cameras are hoped to bring peace of mind for the locals.

Covering from Main Street in all directions that reach viewing areas of the library, park, town hall, local businesses and more, the camera also has night vision, ensuring all 24 hour protection. 

Douglas Denton has been the Monterey Town Council president for the past eight years. Denton said not everyone in town has been excited about the cameras, some even complaining it takes away privacy from the residents. Denton assures the locals that the cameras were placed in town for the purposes of protecting public property, and to help with traffic enforcement or crime, as needed. 

The Pulaski County town of just under 200 students has dealth with more crime than most realize. Over the past few years, Denton said crimes like vandalism and drug activity have plagued the area, but usually come in spurts, and are quickly taken care of.

There's also been more serious incidents, like the active shooting that took place in town last 4th of July. The town has also seen three robberies in the past few decades at the First National Bank of Monterey.

Denton said increasing a certain amount of security in public spaces is the best that they can do to help law enforcement in their job to promote public safety.

People using the town as a way to get rid of trash have been a problem that Denton hopes is stopped by the new cameras. While the town encourages park visitors to use the trash cans as needed for small items, Denton hopes the cameras will defer anyone wanting to come to town to get rid of their loads of trash bags on public property or business dumpsters. 

Denton reminded the public that placing bagged trash or other trash in town containers or private dumpsters without permission from the owner is illegal and could face a fine up to one thousand dollars.

Denton hopes the cameras send a message that those dumping, littering, or participating in public vandalism or the damage to public property in Monterey will potentially be prosecuted. 

Last week, Denton had received some complaints about drivers speeding through town, and running stop signs. Among the complaints, a four-wheeler that was caught on camera tearing up the streets.

In a recent Facebook post, Denton made a request for help from the public to identify the driver of the four-wheeler. Denton said although they have received a few tips, the suspect has yet to be identified. 

Keeping communities safe has been a passion Denton over the years. In 2017, Denton implemented the first Neighborhood Watch program in Pulaski County. 

Aside from the cameras and neighborhood watch, Denton said the town also gets help from the sheriff's offices from neighboring counties due to the town's location. Last week, Denton said he was able to get the Pulaski, Starke, and Fulton County Sherriff Offices to help increase patrols in the town.