In the News

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -

With the casino grand opening just weeks away, Springfield Police continue to prepare for the influx of visitors  sure to make their way to the city. 

Today, officials gathered at Union Station to announce a new collaboration geared toward keeping them safe. 

Union Station has 250 different cameras and thanks to a new partnership, all of them will be used to track crime in real time. 

"Video doesn't lie.  Do you know if we can get it on video, if we can get a crime on video, if we can get any type of video that provides information with identifying criminals or solving crimes, it's just a win for everybody," said Springfield Police Deputy Chief William Cochrane.

Officials said that this plan has been in the works for months and comes at an exciting time for the city. 

"It's estimated that with the opening of MGM, CT Rail has suggested that there will be 1,800 additional pedestrians through this building every day, so I think that's a reminder of just how important this transportation center is," said Rep. Richard Neal.

All of the video from Union Station will go back to the department's real-time analysis center, where they use advanced technology to track vehicle and pedestrian traffic. 

All together, downtown will have more than 300 cameras and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno told Western Mass News that the city is trying to work with the private sector to get access to their cameras well. 

"We have to right now harvest this energy.  We have one time to make sure we do this right with the thousands and thousands of people coming to the city of Springfield.  We want to make sure that we send the messages that it's a clean, safe city," Sarno explained.

Springfield Police will have a large presence downtown with a metro substation and kiosks that have already been established. 

Police said that criminals should consider this a warning. 

"To any criminals that want to commit crime down here, be prepared because we're going to catch ya," Cochrane added.