INDIANAPOLIS — As the City of Indianapolis continues to work on reducing crime, $500,000 is being set aside to help equip small businesses with b-link cameras.
The b-link program allows personal and business security cameras to join a network of live-stream video access for IMPD to utilize in the event of a crime or incident in the vicinity.
"The reality is we are never going to have enough police officers to address the crime in our community and this is a way that we can address crime in our neighborhoods," said IMPD Deputy Chief of Investigations Kendale Adams.
Currently, 33 businesses have more than 120 cameras registered. The program launched in 2019.
The cameras are intended to reduce the amount of time it takes to get footage from cameras to investigators. When someone calls 911, officers will be able to watch the incident as it happens —providing more information for first responders and ideally leading to quicker arrests.
Now, small businesses can apply for a one-time grant up to $2,500 to install and manage business cameras.
"Honestly I would have like to see the program grow farther than it is today. Any visibility that helps IMPD outside of our business is fantastic," Dave Andrus, the owner of Pearl Street Pizzeria and Pub, said. "We want to keep patrons safe but also my staff when they are leaving work at night."
Businesses can also connect already in-service security cameras or apply to offset the cost of camera installation through the b-link Pro program
For more information about the program or to apply for funding, click here.
PREVIOUS: Camera program helping police investigate crimes in Indianapolis
-
Beech Grove Schools plans 'Blue-Out' to honor fallen officer Brian Elliott
Beech Grove City Schools will hold a districtwide "Blue-Out" on Thursday to honor fallen police officer Brian Elliott, a graduate of Beech Grove High School who was killed in the line of duty Monday.
Spectrum offers $25K reward after cable attacks hit Indianapolis
Spectrum is asking for the public's help after a series of attacks on communication cables in Indianapolis disrupted internet and phone service for customers.
Traffic signal feature gives 'a few extra seconds in the crosswalk'
If you’re at a downtown intersection and you push a crosswalk button, you may notice the walk signal three to seven seconds before the light turns green in any direction.
Circle City Sweets prepares hundreds of king cakes for Mardi Gras
It’s Fat Tuesday, and for Circle City Sweets at The AMP, it’s the busiest holiday of the year. On Monday morning, owner Cindy Hawkins and her team are hard at work, preparing 100 king cakes.
