LAWRENCE, Kan. – Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider allowing surveillance cameras to be put in and around downtown Lawrence. The Lawrence Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department are teaming up to install the cameras, and many downtown businesses welcome the change.
When the Kansas Jayhawks made it to this year’s Final Four Tournament, the streets of Lawrence were packed with fans anxious to watch the games with their friends in downtown restaurants and bars.
“It was nuts, we had people down here camping out at five a.m. waiting for a table,” said Buffalo Wild Wings Manager, Thom Glanzman.
During that “crazy” time, there were surveillance cameras in downtown Lawrence, but they were just temporary. At Buffalo Wild Wings on Massachusetts Street, however, they’re a permanent fixture.
“We’ve had certain incidents here where we’ve had to use the camera to track down somebody that’s walked away with a purse,” Glanzman explained.
Therefore, Glanzman likes the idea of having cameras throughout downtown Lawrence.
“From a business perspective I like it,” he said.
Regular Massachusetts Street shoppers, Debbie and Ashley like it too.
“If you own a business down here, I mean why not? It’s protecting your business and the people who shop here,” Ashley said.
Although there is the argument that it may invade people’s privacy, these shoppers are willing to take that risk.
“I think a majority of the people would agree it’s for the safety of the patrons and the community,” Debbie said.
The cameras will cost $46,800. The money’s coming from a grant that Lawrence police say they apply for every year.
