“In speaking with District Attorney Carville over the last several months and even his predecessor, District Attorney McNamara, they had said how difficult it is for people to come forward," Picente said.

“We have seen in a lot of recent cases that have gone to prosecution and trial and things of that nature, most of these crimes are solved by electronic means lately, be it cell phone data, but more importantly, what is captured on surveillance video. So the increasing cameras saturating areas can only assist us in attempting to solve crimes, investigate crimes and really assist us where we are getting a lack of victim and witness cooperation," said Sgt. Michael Curley of the Utica Police Department.

UPD has been using cameras for years, with dozens in stock.

“Roadblocks, we have to go with respect to where those cameras are going to go, what kind of poles they're going to be on, the power, the cellular service, things that like that. But with the partnership here, we expect those to be issued out pretty soon and we'll hope to have this camera system rolling out as soon as possible," Curley said.

He said the police department appreciates Picente's efforts.