Mayor: clearer, larger video surveillance system keeps citizens safe

ATLANTA - With improved technology, the mayor of Atlanta said new surveillance cameras can show what a person is wearing from 200 feet away.

Kasim Reed showed off the system surrounded by his public safety team. And with winter weather right around the corner, city officials said the improved closed circuit equipment can help first responders find motorists in the event they become stranded on icy roads.

And a lot of motorists can remember what that feels like. The city’s last big weather jam took place two years ago. It was especially frightening for parents of students stuck on busses, left unsure when their children could get to safety.

Atlanta's private sector through donations gave the mayor a big assist in putting together the camera package. Right now, there are more than 7,600 cameras -- business and government -- that provide feeds to first responders.

Before Reed leaves office in just over a year, he is hoping to build that number to 10,000 cameras.