Carnegie eyes parks, police technology improvements

Carnegie Borough is hoping to upgrade its parks as well as its technology in the police department.

The borough recently was awarded a $178,786 police technology and wellness grant from the state’s Commission on Crime and Delinquency. With it, the borough has or will purchase more record management system licenses, portable laptops, more body-worn cameras, surveillance cameras and patrol car dash cameras, and automated license plate readers.

Carnegie’s police department currently owns four record management system licenses, according to borough administrative assistant Deneen Underwood. Six licenses would allow all six computers simultaneous login access so on-duty officers have uninterrupted access.

Borough police began using body-worn cameras in 2021 with equipment bought through an earlier PCCD grant. Having six more body-worn cameras “will further enhance public safety and efficiency,” Underwood said.

Car dash cameras provide direct evidence of everything that occurs between an officer or suspect while in front of the patrol car, Underwood said. Automated license plate readers give officers the ability to identify whether a vehicle is stolen, part of an investigation or involved in a violent crime.

The grant also allows the borough to install five more surveillance cameras around its municipal building, which houses the police department, municipal government and other offices. It also provides for an officer wellness program with onsite fitness equipment for police officers.

Park improvements

The borough applied for a greenways, trails and recreation program through the state’s department of community and economic development.

Underwood said the borough applied for the grant last year, but was not selected for funding. Officials decided to reapply because they believe it is an important project, she said.

The grant application seeks $263,037 in funding.

“Our goal is to improve our playgrounds by removing physical and social barriers so all children have equal opportunity to play together. Improvements include enhancements to the Carnegie Municipal Park playground and replacement of Irishtown Tot Playground,” Underwood said.

“A stakeholder meeting with borough administration, families of children with disabilities and Three Rivers Community Care determined that goals should include inclusive equipment; ground-level play opportunities; multisensory elements; surface replacement; and quiet spaces for children if they become overwhelmed, overstimulated or anxious.”

At Carnegie Municipal Park’s playground, proposed additions include swing replacements, a swing set and built-in seats.

Rehabilitation at the Irishtown Park Playground includes a whirl playground spinner, motor bridge and tunnel or a similar structure, a swing set, a teeter-totter, built-in seats and an ADA ground cover.

At both playgrounds, proposed improvements include a communication board, a music board, activity panels, a braille clock, a lending library and benches.