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CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS | CONTINUOUS NEWS COVERAGE
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High Tech Options Could Soon be Used to Stop Litterbugs
Posted: Aug 17, 2011 7:51 PM by Steven Romo - sromo@kristv.com
Updated: Aug 17, 2011 10:46 PM
CORPUS CHRISTI - Solar-powered cameras and trash cans are just a couple of high tech options officials are looking at for helping reduce the problem of illegal dumping and littering in the city.
"They throw wrappers out the window and diapers in the parking lot and that's got to stop," said Mike Staff, of the Police Officers Association and Crime Control District.
The Sparkling City by the Sea is about out of sparkle. It's a concern of many city leaders, but finding answers to the problems is no easy task.
"It really is a cultural and educational change for our community to understand that living in filth is not satisfactory and it's not something the Sparkling City is all about," Staff said.
Staff and members of the Crime Control District are discussing ways to help stop littering. Some of the ways they're considering use technology to help collect garbage and even shame the litter-bugs who are polluting the city.
Trash cans like the ones unveiled this year on the bayfront can compact trash and make more room for collection: all with solar energy.
The police department is also looking the possibility of using these solar-powered cameras to catch illegal dumpers. They could also be used to catch metal thieves and other criminal activity.
They are also solar-powered and cost around $6,000 each.
Police say the idea is to catch litter culprits but also make an example of them to let others in the community know: trashing the town is not ok.
Leaders are also asking residents to step up and help keep their neighbors accountable.
"If you see someone throwing a wrapper or a cigarette butt whatever it would be someone needs to challenge that person and ultimately possibly shame that person into changing their behavior," Staff said.
The police department's new Anti-Litter Efficiency Team will review these options and several other proposals.
If items like the cameras are recommended the department may ask the Crime Control District for funds to purchase them.
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