After a series of sex assaults and attacks targeting women, security cameras are being installed along Philadelphia's Schuylkill River Trail as city officials take steps to make the popular recreational trail safer.
Democratic City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson announced Wednesday that installation has begun of 21 cameras covering eight entrances along the trail from Arch Street to the South Street Bridge.
Johnson joined Council President Darrell Clarke in funding the $150,000 safety project along that trail that has had some highly-publicized public safety troubles recently.
"If you're outside enjoying yourself in any public space here in the city of Philadelphia you should feel safe" regardless of where you are, Johnson said.
The first camera was being put in place near Locust Street Wednesday. Johnson hopes the rest of the cameras will be installed in the coming weeks.
The city will also dispatch undercover and bicycle officers and town watch volunteers to look over the trail. Improved lighting and added mileposts will make it easier for people who are victimized to report their location, Johnson said.
In the future, Johnson wants to also have call boxes installed since people running along the trail may not have their cellphone phone on them.
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"We know at the end of the day that we're not going to eliminate all sort of crime along the trail but this is a step in the right direction because no incident should be taking place along the trail at all," Johnson said.
The overall goal is "more public safety along the Schuylkill River Trail," Johnson said.
