MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee is expanding a pilot program aimed at catching illegal dumpers, with eight additional surveillance cameras being installed on the city's Near West Side.

The cameras are part of an effort between the city and Near West Side Partners to identify people who illegally dump trash, furniture, tires and other debris in neighborhoods. Officials say footage from the cameras can help investigators identify suspects and support prosecutions.

See how city leaders hope these new cameras will help catch offenders

Milwaukee expands camera program to catch illegal dumpers

According to the Department of Neighborhood Services in collaboration with the Milwaukee Police Department, 24 people have been caught and prosecuted since the program launched in spring.

Previous Coverage: Milwaukee to add 100 cameras to catch illegal dumping

Milwaukee to add 100 cameras to catch illegal dumping

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said addressing illegal dumping has been a priority for his administration.

 I have challenged my departments to take on issues that are important to citizens across the city, and illegal dumping certainly is one of those things,  Johnson said.  We have more of these cameras going into neighborhoods to catch people who are making decisions that cause harm in neighborhoods. 

Near West Side Partners Safety Ambassador Hassani Lucas said illegal dumping remains a concern throughout the neighborhood.

 It has been an issue. We've seen dumping all throughout the neighborhood,  Lucas said.  This was just a big part of getting our foot in the door and trying to bring some of these people that are committing crimes to justice. 

Safety Ambassador Elliott Carson said neighborhood crews routinely encounter dumped items ranging from household furniture to construction debris.

 We've seen tires, couches, beds, all sorts of things. Just broken wood,  Carson said.  Lots of things in the area. 

Lucas said the impacts extend beyond aesthetics.

 It affects our residents. It affects our business owners because residents are uncomfortable with coming out of their houses and engagin

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