Charleroi Council seeking security camera support

Many communities throughout the Mon Valley rely on security cameras to help fight crime in their neighborhoods.
Charleroi Borough Council is hoping such communities will join together to send a letter to West Penn Power asking the utility company to do its fair share to help.
Several months ago communities received letters from the company outlining a temporary halt in the installation of surveillance cameras on company-owned poles until a policy was in place due to safety concerns.
In November, dozens of elected and police department officials attended an informational session hosted by West Penn Power, a First Energy company, at the Charleroi Service Center.
During the session West Penn Power representatives outlined new requirements and procedures communities would have to follow when making a request for camera installation.
One of several stipulations was that cameras can be no higher than 18-feet from the ground and should be one foot lower than the lowest communication line.
During a Wednesday meeting, Charleroi Councilman Larry Celaschi said the company has again contacted the borough to inform them that some cameras will need to be lowered. The borough was under the impression these cameras would not have to be moved because they were placed there before the new guidelines were outlined.

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