Kellogg to upgrade park security system

KELLOGG — Kellogg’s City Park is one of the nicest areas in the Silver Valley.

Complete with playground equipment, disc golf, the swimming pool, covered picnic areas, restrooms, and access to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, it offers something for almost everyone.

One of the primary reasons that the park remains in such good condition is the use of a security surveillance system that discourages malfeasance from happening in the public space.

During Wednesday evening’s city council meeting, Kellogg’s city officials approved a motion to update their park’s security system through A-Tec, a security company from Spokane Valley that specializes in customized security systems.

According to Kellogg Police Department Sgt. Paul Twidt, the current camera system was installed more than 15 years ago and while they got good use from it over that decade and a half, the cost of repairing the cameras is no longer cost effective.

“Security cameras have advanced a lot over the last 15 years,” Twist said. “New systems are cheaper and better than they were 15 years ago.”

Kellogg will pay A-Tec $20,248.38 to update its aging park system.

What might seem like a hefty price tag for such a system is really just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the system’s usefulness according to Twidt.

“Over the years, the cameras have helped in solving many crimes that have occurred in the park,” he recalled. “Everything from simple vandalism, thefts and arson. Over the years, the lack of vandalism due to the cameras has more than offset the cost of the cameras.”

While no specific time has been set, the upgrades are set to begin as soon as possible according to Kellogg city officials.