Philadelphia’s 26th Police District administrative sergeant John Massi said that the LED light bulb initiative is an attempt to illuminate the streets both to deter crime and to provide clearer images for security cameras.
Thanks to a grant provided by the Penn Treaty Special Services District, the 26th Police District and the Olde Richmond Civic Association have been awarded $16,800 in an effort to fund their Light Bulb Initiative, a program, that works in conjunction with ORCA’s Security Camera Program. The grant will introduce LED “dusk to dawn” light bulbs to residents with outdoor lighting and reduce the risk of crimes against persons and property.
Dusk to dawn light bulbs are light bulbs manufactured by Philips, which have a built-in light sensor that tells the light bulb to turn on when the sun goes down and turn off when the sun rises again the next morning.
A typical 60 watt Dusk to Dawn light bulb can be purchased at big box stores such as The Home Depot for approximately $9.
Last year, ORCA started a security camera program with funding from the PTSSD. Philadelphia’s 26th Police District Administrative Sgt. John Massi said the LED light bulb initiative is an attempt to illuminate the streets both to deter crime and to provide clearer images for security cameras.
“Having additional light gives clarity to the image,” Massi said. “If it’s dark out you really couldn’t get a clear image.”
Additionally, Massi said, criminals tend to avoid well-lit areas.
“They like to stay in areas that are dark so they’re not seen.”
Massi said that he’ll begin purchasing the light bulbs during the first week in January and plans to start installing them by the end of January. Areas with the highest levels of crime will have their lights installed first.
The PTSSD, incorporated in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) community-based organization that works to enhance the quality of life for residents of the immediate neighborhoods surrounding SugarHouse Casino — including Fishtown, South Kensington, Old Richmond and Northern Liberties.
Funding for the PTSSD — which to date has totaled more than $5.7 million, according to a press release — is provided by SugarHouse Casino through an annual donation. Allocation of funds is determined exclusively by the Penn Treaty SSD Board through a grant request form and a review process.
