KCCI-TV's  Lauren Donovan reports Marshall County Crime Stoppers Safety Camera project.

Here is the link to the video of her report.

MARSHALL COUNTY, Iowa -- A hefty investment into safety cameras throughout Marshall County could pay off, county leaders and business owners told KCCI.

The roughly $58,000 program is part of the Marshall County Crime Stoppers’ efforts to install security cameras throughout the county, particularly in high-traffic areas, in order to thwart crime and apprehend criminals in the area.

Earlier this week, after the Marshall County Board of Supervisors examined how other Iowa communities use the cameras to solve crimes, it committed $20,000 to Crime Stoppers, a national organization that offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or conviction.

That’s in addition to the $20,000 from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and the $20,000 from the Marshalltown City Council.

The local Crime Stoppers board now has to raise $20,000.

Once the money has been raised, Marshalltown-based RACOM Corp. will provide a basic system of cameras throughout the county.

Marshalltown Mayor James Lowrance said his city is already safe and that the cameras will only be used as an investigative tool.

“This was really an effort just to stay up with modern technology and provide our law enforcement officers with the tools that they need to police the community and be prepared for the future,” Lowrance said.

If an incident were reported, police would be able to look back at security camera footage corresponding to the location and zoom in on the license plate to identify the would-be criminal.

It is unclear when county officials will pull the funds together, but they’re hoping the process will go swiftly because many area business owners said they are already on board with the program.

Marshall County residents may soon rest easier knowing safety cameras are on the job.

With a $20,000 commitment by the Marshall County Board of Supervisors at Tuesday’s meeting, that body gave a huge boost to a Marshall County Crime Stoppers’ efforts to install security cameras throughout the county.

But it was County Sheriff Steve Hoffman who made it easier for the supervisors to participate, pledging $20,000 from his department’s 2016-17 budget.

Supervisors Bill Patten, David Thompson, and Steve Salasek all voted for the measure.

Hoffman said Crime Stoppers had enjoyed “incredible” success during its nearly two-year tenure, thanks to county residents, and believes the safety cameras will help deter crime and apprehend criminals.

Crime Stoppers is a national organization offering cash rewards for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

The crime fighting initiative creates a cash incentive for tipsters to report information – and they can do it anonymously via an online form, text message or telephone call.

Tipsters can submit data pertaining to a potential suspect’s name, address, race, gender, height, weight, age, hair color, scars and marks, tattoos, clothing or animal ownership.

That information is sent to a third-party server before being rerouted to law enforcement.

The cost of installing a basic system of cameras throughout the county is approximately $58,000, according to RACOM, Inc. of Marshalltown.

Crimes Stoppers board member and local businessman Mark Osmundson emphasized the cameras will be used for security and not traffic enforcement.

Earlier this year, the Marshalltown City Council pledged $20,000 from its budget contingent upon similar investments by the supervisors and Crime Stoppers.

Now it is up to the local Crime Stoppers board to raise their $20,000.

“We have money on hand, but it is specifically reserved for tips,” said Osmundson during his presentation to the supervisors where he requested their contribution.

“We will begin fundraising,” he said.

Crime Stoppers board members have been promoting the safety cameras to local governments this year and last.

Rural communities Haverhill, Melbourne and State Center had recently endorsed the project, said Osmundson.

The radio and television station owner said he and other board members hoped to visit other county towns in the near future.

Crime Stoppers board member and Times-Republican General Manager/Publisher and Mike Schlesinger made two presentations to the Marshalltown City Council.

Schlesinger told them the county plan is modeled after Dubuque’s successful initiative.

That city started with a basic system, and due to its popularity, has expanded significantly to include more than 1,100 cameras.

MCCS officers are Todd Steinkamp, chair; Joel Greer, vice chair; Schlesinger, treasurer; Tami Lichtenberg, secretary; and Larry Raymond, fund-raising. In addition to Osmundson, board members are Bettie Bolar, Ellen Bergman, Carol Hibbs, Mike Miller and Carlos Portes and Holly Reimanschneider.

Donations to Crime Stoppers are tax deductible, and can be sent to: 112 W. Church St., Marshalltown, 50158. For more information, visit marshallcountycs.com.

Courtesy of the Marshalltown Times-Republican, Mike Donahey, Staff Writer

LE GRAND — The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s information on a recent burglary incident in Le Grand.

According to Marshall County Sheriff Steve Hoffman, a report of a burglary and damage was reported in the early morning hours of June 3 at a Le Grand car wash. The suspect broke into the facility, damaging a door.

“Unfortunately, our leads have not developed in this case,” said Hoffman.

His office is now releasing a still image of video surveillance of the suspect in hopes the public will be able to identify the man.

The suspect was apparently driving a white 1990’s pickup truck.

Those with any information can contact the sheriff’s office or submit information anonymously via Marshall County Crime Stoppers at www.marshallcountycs.com, via text at 247637 (CRIMES), or calling 641-753-1234.

Courtesy of the Marshalltown Times-Republican.

Ken Fleege of the local RACOM Co. presents information about city of Dubuque’s security cameras to representatives of Marshall County towns Monday night at the Marshalltown Pubic Library. The meeting was hosted by Marshall County Crime Stoppers.

Fleege said the installation of 1,000 security cameras in that community has deterred crime and identified perpetrators. Additionally, they have significantly aided fire, police and emergency responders in day-to-day work. Fleege made a similar presentation to the city of Marshalltown.

Crime Stoppers believes security cameras would have the same major positive impact in all Marshall County communities. Crime Stoppers board member Mike Schlesinger emphasized the cameras are for security and crime-fighting, and are not “speed” cameras.


Courtesy of the Marshalltown Times-Republican