NORWICH – The Norwich Police Department was approved to upgrade their security camera and recording system at the city common council meeting on Monday night.

According to Police Chief Rodney Marsh, the current system has several issues. The audio of the camera in the interview room is distorted when the air vent is running. There are blind spots that cameras aren't reaching. The digital video recorder (DVR) is 13 years old, and requires the aid of a paperclip to get recordings to eject. Also some of the cameras are outdated, seeing as they were installed to the building when it was built in 2000.

The current system is also at capacity with the number of cameras it can handle. It currently has four exterior cameras and eight interior cameras. Chief Marsh was hoping to upgrade just the essential cameras with issues and DVR system with funds left over from the 2019 budget.

“We'll replace what we really need in here then I was planning on budgeting every year to [replace] another camera or add another camera.” said Chief Marsh. “I do have money left over from the 2019 budget to cover the cost.”

Assistant Chief Scott Burlison stated they do not yet have an exact figure for the cost of the upgrade. “We are still working with the vendor and should have an exact figure by the end of the week,” said Burlison.