Our Back Story
- In 2019, Better York did a study to determine how York’s gun violence compared to other cities of the same size and with similar demographics. Unfortunately, there was clear evidence that we had a real problem compared to many cities.
- It was also inescapable that Lancaster had the lowest gun violence rate of the four Pennsylvania cities in the peer group in all of the gun violence measures, and it stacked up well overall out of 20 cities.
- One very significant difference between Lancaster and the other PA cities was the Lancaster Safety Coalition, a non-profit group that funds and operates an extensive public safety camera network.
- Better York (and partners) commissioned/funded a preliminary feasibility study for such a system in York.
- With positive initial indications of feasibility and citizen and elected official support, a broad range of partners funded LogosWorks Partners to develop a comprehensive construction, operations, and funding plan for York SafetNet – York’s public safety camera network.
Our Purpose
We exist to partner with law enforcement and the community to make York a safer place to live, work, and learn. We are committed to leveraging camera technology as a tool for public safety, functioning with transparency in a way that allows us to build trust.
The Latest
- To effectively launch a camera network we realized we needed to bring together various partners to ensure accountability, funding, and cooperation.
- York SafeNet was incorporated as a nonprofit member organization in late 2024 allowing groups like the city, county, advocacy organizations, and funders all to be formally wrapped in as members. This allows control of the network to be shared, keeping government entities and police accountable while still allowing citizens to exercise control of the nonprofit.
- We have formulated a plan for 140 cameras installed equitably across York City, with live monitoring. With all major neighborhoods covered to ease equity concerns and assurance by law enforcement partners we believe this map is a great launch network which can be expanded and changed and evolved over time with public input.
- Now we have requested approval from York City Council to utilize city infrastructure allowing us to raise funds and fully design the network.