MILWAUKEE - The police department is now using a “Rhino.” The armored vehicle uses surveillance cameras to spot crime in problem areas.
It was parked last Friday in the 800 block of S. 31st Street. Colonel Ollis has lived on that block for 38 years.
“Ever since we lived here this has been a problem street,” Colonel Ollis said.
Ollis and his neighbors say the last couple of years have been especially challenging.
“We've been for a year getting broken into, they've stolen stuff out of our car, gang activity, selling drugs,” Angie Dejesus, resident, said.
That’s why MPD chose this location to park its new crime fighting tool. The truck is outfitted with 24-hour surveillance cameras and will travel to different problem spots.
”The whole purpose is to let people know they're being watched and behave themselves,” Alderman Bob Donovan, Milwaukee’s South Side, explained.
Alderman Donovan says it’s capable of being monitored at the district station also in nearby squad car in fact.
“To be honest with you, I thought it was gonna be a big joke, just another trick, but it does work and it's well worth it!” Ollis said gladly.
Ollis says this is the quietest his neighborhood has been in two years.
“It's only been here four days. You've actually seen a difference in four days?” TODAY’S TMJ4 reporter Melissa McCrady asked.
“Oh yeah, it’s a difference of night and day,” Ollis replied.
Angie Dejesus complains though, that the Rhino hasn’t stopped drivers from speeding up and down her street and that it’s too late.
“Now it's getting cold. Of course it's going to be quiet. Nobody’s gonna be outside in the cold,” Dejesus explained.
The Rhino is parked on a temporary basis, but Ollis is hoping it’ll stay for good.
“I know it can't stay here forever but I wish it could stay here forever,” Ollis admitted.
A private company donated the Rhino. It does not cost taxpayers any money.
Read more here.
