11 Investigates: Faulty city surveillance cameras fail to capture crimes

PITTSBURGH — About 20 percent of the surveillance cameras in the city of Pittsburgh either don't work or are pointed in the wrong direction.

Target 11 has learned of at least three incidents in which the cameras could've helped solve crimes, had they been functioning properly.

The murder of 14-year-old Kelvin Lovelace remains unsolved. Nearly two years ago, someone shot the teen at a graduation party in the East Hills. The surveillance camera in the area was facing the trees at the time.

Lovelace's mother, LaShaun King, said that news is devastating and upsetting to her and her family.

"I don't understand the use for them if they are not working," King added. "All I want is an arrest made."

In September, another camera Downtown was pointed the wrong way and missed the shooting at the Wood Street T-station. Police used other cameras in that area to track down the suspect.

Target 11 first exposed issues with city surveillance cameras last year when a camera on top of the Warrington Recreation Center wasn't working and didn't record a hit-and-run. The victim was seriously injured crossing the street. No one was ever arrested.

"We talked about this last year at this time, and now we have more issues where we are not able to pick up film and use that tool," said Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Darlene Harris.

A few weeks ago, Pittsburgh officials admitted 32 of the 160 cameras were not working.  Officials said some had been damaged by falling tree limbs or car accidents. Other cameras experienced technical issues.

Kevin Acklin, who is chief of staff for Mayor Peduto, told Target 11 having even one camera not working is one too many.

"The mayor said all of these, every single camera that we are deploying, should be working, and if they are not working they should be fixed immediately. They are a priority," said Acklin.

He added one of the big problems with the cameras may be related to a former city employee. She's now under investigation for allegedly falsifying camera maintenance reports. Acklin said because of that, cameras did not get fixed.

After city officials discovered the discrepancy, Mayor Peduto moved the entire surveillance system out of the Department of Innovation and Performance and into Public Safety.

Cox Media Group