Snow Hill, MD – The Town of Snow Hill has been awarded $79,000 by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for equipment that will enhance public safety around town.
The award was announced recently by former Governor Larry Hogan. The award is part of Hogan’s “Community Safety Works” initiative, intended to improve “the livability and economic potential of Maryland communities through targeted investments in crime prevention that impact community safety.”
For the town of Snow Hill, grant funding will support the purchase and installation of surveillance cameras that cover crime hotspots, additional street lights in the downtown area, and two police-duty bicycles.
“The installation of these cameras in our downtown area and at our pedestrian crossings will add another layer of protection to residents and visitors to our town,” said Chief Andrew McGee. “These cameras will be focused on our high-traffic areas in our downtown business district as well as on the drawbridge as you enter the town limits. This area is prone to flooding, and to have real-time video that the public will have access to will certainly help when they inquire about road conditions.”
Vandalism will be the focus of the new camera equipment. Once mounted, the cameras will monitor parks and facilities which have been the target of costly vandalism and destruction during the past five years. Nine new street lights will illuminate downtown areas that pose a nighttime safety risk to town businesses and pedestrians. The purchase of two police-duty bicycles will enable the town’s police department to begin a “Cops on Bikes” program to extend policing activities beyond paved streets and roads.
Town Manager Rick Pollitt added, “Public safety is the highest priority of this Mayor & Town Council. We believe the grant will enhance our efforts with high-tech equipment and stronger community policing via bike patrols. We particularly appreciate the strong support of the Department of Housing & Community Development and will strive to justify their confidence in us.”