The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) has announced it will cover the first-year fee for businesses that join Project Greenlight, a community safety initiative that connects private security cameras directly to Windsor Police. The program, which has been successful in other cities, aims to deter crime and assist law enforcement by providing real-time access to surveillance footage.
How Project Greenlight Works
Businesses participating in Project Greenlight install a green light outside their premises and register their security cameras with the police. When a crime occurs nearby, officers can request access to the camera feeds, speeding up investigations and potentially preventing further incidents. The DWBIA's subsidy eliminates the initial cost barrier for downtown businesses, encouraging broader participation.
Benefits for Downtown Windsor
DWBIA Chairperson Jane Smith emphasized that the initiative enhances safety without imposing financial strain on local businesses. “We want downtown Windsor to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone,” she said. “By covering the first-year fee, we remove a hurdle for businesses that want to contribute to community safety.” The program also includes signage and promotional materials for participating businesses.
The Windsor Police Service has endorsed the program, noting that it has led to faster response times and higher clearance rates in other jurisdictions. Officers can monitor feeds during critical incidents, and the green light serves as a visible deterrent to potential criminals.
Businesses interested in joining can contact the DWBIA for more information on the application process and eligibility. The fee coverage applies to new participants only and is valid for the first year of membership.
