Attending a gathering to celebrate the Phelps County Community Foundation’s mobile camera system obtained for local law enforcement are, from left, Peter Perkins, Director of Public Safety-Phelps Health; Keith Ruffin, Chief Public Safety Officer-Phelps Health; Mark Leathers-Missouri S&T; Nate Cohen, PCCF board member; Bonnie Prigge, PCCF board member; Chief Doug Roberts-Missouri S&T; Ben Tipton, PCCF board member; Dr. Monica Fulton-Assistant Superintendent Rolla 31 and PCCF public safety committee; Richard Cavender, PCCF board member; Lorrie Hartley, PCCF board member; Tracy Jenkins, PCCF board member; Kim Day, PCCF board member; Mike Woessner, PCCF board member; Bill Jenks-PCCF public safety committee; City of Rolla Fire Chief Jeff Breen-PCCF Public Safety committee; City of Rolla Fire Captain Scott Profitt; City of Rolla Fire Captain John Marti; City of Rolla Police Chief Sean Fagan; City of Rolla Detective Derrick Dillon-PCCF Public Safety committee; Rolla Rural Fire Department Chief Roger Hayes; Rolla Rural Fire Assistant Chief Larry Seest; Rolla Rural Fire board chairman Jeremy Light; and John Money, PCCF board member. Not pictured, Donald Dodd, PCCF board member; Marla Stevenson, PCCF board president.
Phelps County Community Foundation has its first major project, and it’s in the realm of public safety.
Members of the Phelps County Community Foundation gathered May 10 to present local law enforcement with a $51,668 check, marking the launch of their inaugural funded project, a mobile camera system.
This significant contribution was made possible by the community's generous donations, showcasing a collective commitment to public safety, according to a release from PCCF.
The project was inspired by the Phelps County Community Impact Report, which highlighted a pressing need for increased public safety personnel. Rolla Police Chief Sean Fagan over the past year has expressed concern about officer shortages in Rolla, St. James and across Phelps County. His concern spurred action from the PCCF, the release continued.
After consulting with local law enforcement, the PCCF board determined that a mobile camera system, managed by Missouri S&T, would be a valuable tool. It will enhance safety at big events such as the Rolla Lion’s Club Carnival, St. James Sip n' Savor, parades and more, reducing the strain on police forces and ensuring community safety.
Marla Stevenson, PCCF board president, expressed pride in funding this initiative. "Together with law enforcement, we're taking significant steps to improve safety for everyone," she stated.
The camera will be housed at the university, but anyone with a usage agreement will be able to utilize it. It was purchased from Senergy Electric of Williamsville, Illinois, and is expected to be delivered in about six weeks.
The cost was funded by partner organizations and over 95 individual donations from community members, according to the PCCF release.
"This innovative tool will be beneficial to the entire community," said Doug Roberts, chief of the Missouri S&T police department.
“It is particularly valuable at large events, reducing the need for additional personnel and alleviating pressure on our police force while keeping our community safe. This system will also be deployed for day-to-day security and can be quickly relocated during emergencies.”
“Based on national averages, Phelps County faces a shortage of law enforcement personnel. The ideal number of officers for the county is approximately 109, considering a ratio of 2.4 officers per 1,000 residents. However, the county currently employs 91.5 officers, indicating a deficit of 17.5 positions,” according to the Phelps County Community Impact Report, which is available on the organization’s website.
Mark Leathers, Missouri S&T police, and William Loughridge, Rolla Police Department, presented information on the mobile camera system at the PCCF kickoff luncheon held Jan. 31. PCCF, working with local donations and organizations, recently saw their work toward a mobile camera system come to fruition.
Mobile cameras – and cameras in general – work to not only solve crimes but deter them. Leathers shared there are already over 450 cameras on the Missouri S&T property, and the operations center is active 24 hours per day.
“This is a dynamic system, and analytical,” he said.
The mobile camera is capable of recognizing a person, bike, car, license and more. The system is powered by solar, battery, or electricity, depending on its location.
The mobile camera is on a trailer and can be monitored from anywhere.
“It allows us to have more eyes in the area we are patrolling, or providing security,” he said.
PCCF is comprised of 11 board of directors that are devoted to see Phelps County continue to grow and prosper, those attending the January banquet were told.
The impact report was released earlier this year and classifies items into three categories as a guide to understanding where the community excels, where it needs immediate attention and areas of potential concern.
“The structure and content could see changes in subsequent versions, but that is the nature of a community in reflection – always evolving, always striving,” said Marla Stevenson, PCCF board president.
“We hope that this report serves as a reminder that introspection is our path to continuous improvement.”
Over 1,300 responses were received on the survey released by PCCF to identify needs in the community. The guidance resulted in the identification of the need for a mobile camera system.
“To understand where we are going, we have to know where we came from,” shared Ben Tipton, board chair elect, during the banquet.
PCCF plans to explore more projects to address diverse needs identified in the Impact Report. The next project will focus on early childhood education and is expected to be announced soon.
Publisher Donald Dodd contributed to this story.
