EYES IN THE SKY: New cameras installed around Norris Park

Lee Guthrie |, Tahlequah Daily Press, Okla.
·2 min read

Oct. 20—A recent fracas among Tahlequah's elected officials and employees and Farmers' Market vendors about security at Norris Park has culminated in the installation of dual-head cameras.

On Friday, Oct. 20, DIGI Security Systems installed dual-head cameras around Norris Park. Discussion had also focused on the possible erection of a fence around the pavilion as a solution to security issues, which many blame on the homeless population.

"They are replacing cameras that are 10 years old," said City Administrator Taylor Tannehill. "There was no bid requirement as it fell under the price that requires a bid to be put out. The cameras were budgeted in the approved budget by council in June."

The cost of the cameras is $11,875, Tannehill said.

Bobby Underwood with DIGI and his crew added five units with dual-head cameras around the periphery of the park.

"[The new cameras] are for better quality pictures and [the units are being installed] where the existing cameras are at," Underwood said. "We are also adding new wireless controllers for the reliability of the cameras."

Two cameras are in each unit and can be directed in different directions.

"These will give top-quality photos," Underwood said. "You'll be able to zoom in. They have AI features and analytics features, like face recognition. For instance, if someone committed a crime and they were in a vehicle, you could zoom into their license plate and tell who is registered to that vehicle."

Underwood said the city is looking at adding cameras around the pavilion in the future.

With the wireless system of the new cameras, the Norris Park system can be connected to the pavilion cameras.

Code Enforcement Officer Ray Hammons earlier said that in response to the situation with the pavilion, the city is looking into installing cameras as an added preventative measure.

Ward 2 Tahlequah City Councilor Keith Baker said at the time that the fence is just there for a measure of safety and thought cameras needed to be installed as well.

"First step is to get the fence there, because unless we get a good view from those cameras [they won't help], but [the fence] has got to be the first step," Baker said.