Laurel Police camera project scaled back after utility denial

A state-funded surveillance camera project intended to provide broad coverage across Laurel has been significantly scaled back after the local electric utility declined to allow cameras to be mounted on its poles, Police Chief Rob Kracyla told town officials during a recent council meeting held on Dec. 15

The Laurel Police Department received a $120,000 public safety grant to purchase and install approximately 20 high-definition cameras designed to provide wide-area coverage, deter crime and assist with investigations. The original plan relied on mounting hard-wired cameras on existing utility poles throughout town to maximize coverage while keeping long-term costs low.

Laurel Councilman George Lodato expressed strong disappointment over the utility’s decision, saying the refusal undermines a project intended solely to improve public safety.

“As a council member, this is a very big disappointment,” Lodato said. “These cameras are for public safety and crime prevention. Laurel has one of the highest crime rates in Delaware, and we’re trying to get help from the public utilities to make our town safer. We’re not getting their cooperation, and we’re not being given any clear explanation as to why.”

Police Chief Rob Kracyla explained that the department’s original plan focused on using existing infrastructure to stretch limited grant dollars as far as possible. “Our intent was to cover the entire town,” Kracyla said. “Mounted at elevation, 20 hard-wired cameras would have provided broader coverage, faster deployment and lower long-term maintenance costs. We were trying to be smart with limited dollars and a very small tax base.”

Kracyla said the utility’s denial came after the grant was awarded and planning was already underway, forcing a mid-project redesign that was outside the town’s control. “Once the power company declined, it forced us into a redesign in the middle of the project,” he said. “The town had to purchase and install its own poles and switch from hard-wired cameras to solar-powered cameras.”

That changed adjustment significantly increased costs and reduced the project’s scope. Hard-wired cameras cost about $3,000 each, while solar-powered units cost approximately $5,000 each. In addition, utility poles cost about $300 each. “Every dollar spent on poles and solar power is a dollar that could have gone toward additional coverage,” Kracyla said. “Solar cameras cost nearly twice as much, and they require more infrastructure and maintenance.”

Kracyla also noted that solar-powered cameras present reliability concerns, especially during winter months. “With solar, you’re at the mercy of  Mother Nature,” he said. “Short days and cloudy weather can impact reliability, and crime happens 24/7, 365 days a year. With hard-wired cameras, you don’t have to depend on the sun or backup batteries.”

Despite those challenges, Kracyla emphasized that the department remains committed to public safety and transparency. “These situations don’t change our commitment,” he said. “We adapt, we move the project forward, and the cameras we deploy will still deter violent crime, support investigations, reduce repeat calls for service and help hold offenders accountable.”

Kracyla added that for a small police department serving a high-needs community, surveillance cameras are a critical tool. “We owe it to our residents to be transparent about how their grant dollars are being spent,” he said. “There was no waste in this project. We didn’t take shortcuts. Every decision was made with public safety in mind.”

With fewer cameras available, the department plans to place them strategically in high-priority areas rather than attempt town-wide coverage. Kracyla said the city of Seaford has offered assistance with poles and installation.

“Seaford City Manager Charles Anderson and his staff have been very helpful, and we really appreciate their generosity,” Kracyla said.

The cameras being installed are high-definition units capable of identifying faces from up to 600 feet away, which Kracyla said is essential for investigative purposes.

Delmarva Power Senior Communications Specialist Matt Ford issued a statement explaining the utility’s position. “At Delmarva Power, our top priority is ensuring the safety, reliability, and integrity of the electric grid,” Ford said. “Utility poles are critical infrastructure, and any equipment attached to them must meet established safety, engineering, and legal standards.” Ford added that unauthorized attachments are not permitted and can pose safety risks, but said the company remains open to collaboration.

“We are committed to working collaboratively with municipalities and public safety agencies to support shared public safety goals while ensuring the continued safe and reliable operation of our infrastructure,” he said.

Despite the setback, Kracyla said the department will continue pursuing grants, partnerships and creative solutions to protect Laurel residents. “Our residents deserve the same level of safety as any larger community, regardless of our tax base,” he said.