A CHICAGO City Council committee has voted to accept a $US1 million donation by the Chicago Cubs organization to install additional security cameras around Wrigley Field.
The donation will expand the city’s extensive Operation Virtual Shield (OVS) network of cameras near the stadium with around 30 new video surveillance cameras to be installed on city-owned light poles near the North Side field.
“The additional cameras will serve to enhance the safety and security of the venue and allow Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) to monitor the high traffic areas in communities adjacent to the ballpark,” Chicago police said.
Cubs spokesman Julian Green told chicagobusiness.com the new cameras will be owned and operated by the city, but the team will have access to the security feeds to monitor the area around the park.
The Cubs are funding the additional surveillance “to have a 360-degree view of activity outside the ballpark,” Green said. “We don’t want to spare any expense to make sure not only our fans, but the Lakeview neighbourhood is safe and secure.” ♦