EAST AURORA, NY – New York State Senator Jim Tedisco of Clifton Park has proposed new legislation that will add security cameras to all state parks, campsites, and recreation areas. This comes in response to the recent kidnapping of a 9-year-old at a state park.
WHNY News spoke with a local hiker and two state senators to gather their opinions on this potential bill. Louis Erickson, an avid hiker, expressed concerns about his safety while out on his walks in Knox Farm State Park.
“I have mixed feelings. I don’t like being watched or stared at, but some of the trails I go on are very secluded. Having security cameras may discourage people from committing crimes,” Erickson shared.
The inspiration for this legislation stems from the kidnapping of 9-year-old Charlotte Sena from Moreau Lake State Park at the end of last month. While a third of New York State’s 180 state parks already have security cameras at entrances and exits, this bill would require all parks to have a camera system that could identify the make, model, and license plate numbers of any vehicle entering or exiting the premises.
WHNY News reached out to local State Senators Sean Ryan and Patrick Gallivan, who both agreed that added security measures are necessary.
“Whenever a situation like this occurs, it is important to review current security measures and see how they can be enhanced,” Senator Ryan stated.
“Adding cameras at the entrances and exits of state parks is a minor inconvenience that does not infringe upon anyone’s liberties,” Senator Gallivan explained.
While the legislation has not yet been brought to the floor, both senators believe it could take a few months to be approved. In the meantime, stay tuned to WHNY News for updates on this developing story.
