Safety First: Gulf Shores and Nearby Areas Add Surveillance Cameras

Following on the heels of widespread media coverage of both violent and nonviolent crimes, South Baldwin, Florida, is increasing its ability to deter criminal acts and catch perpetrators. The project, nicknamed Sky Guardian, includes the addition of 25 new cameras at Gulf Place and 75 cameras around the city and parks of Foley. There are now a total of 125 cameras around public places in Foley.

The new cameras, funded by a grant of almost $400,000 from the US Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services Office, replace older technology in the area. Cameras have been replaced at both the library and jail, while new cameras have been installed in other public places like City Hall and nearby parks.

Police and government officials have targeted areas that have consistently been higher risk locations. They expect the new additions to deter crime and help the general public feel safer. Since their recent installation, the cameras have already been helpful in identifying skateboarders who caused damage at the Foley Centennial Plaza.

If you live in or are visiting the area, keep in mind that these cameras are another tool to deter crimes and catch criminals. City Administrator, Mike Thompson, has clarified they will not have staff sitting in front of the monitors around the clock. Rather, they are used strategically to monitor certain high-risk events and to retroactively identify suspects. They may not prevent certain crimes as they are happening, so please, always err on the side of caution.

In other places around Baldwin County, there are also some surveillance cameras, but the new cameras in Foley and Gulf Shores seem to provide the most coverage at this time. Orange Beach features cameras at Waterfront Park and a few other public facilities. Fairhope keeps cameras at the welcome center, recreation center, and in the downtown park. These cameras represent only those installed by the government, not cameras that may have been placed on private property by citizens.

At Kris L. Powell and Associates, we’re pleased to see crime prevention steps in public areas near our properties. They are just one more way officials around Baldwin County are working to keep our beaches and towns free of crime. In addition to crime prevention, some places, like Orange Beach, have captured live-streaming events like the development of an osprey nest on Wolf Bay. The camera there serves as an exceptional opportunity for the public to view natural events unfold in real time.