MADISON, Wisc. – Madison, Wisconsin, Mayor Paul Soglin has proposed new security measures for the city’s convenience stores to improve safety, the Wisconsin State Journal reports. An increase in gunfire and homicide this year spurred the police department’s request to the mayor. “It will enhance public safety, it will save lives and it will make it easier to apprehend criminals in areas we’ve identified as hot spots,” Soglin said.

But as Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives, pointed out, security cameras aren’t the top ways to prevent crim. “Generally, these types of ordinances are well meaning but may not best achieve the desired outcome,” he said. Better for convenience stores to concentrate on keeping windows free from clutter, install/maintain proper lighting and use time-release drop safes to minimize cash on hand.

The ordinance introduced to the city council yesterday mandates high-res cameras with at least 50 pixels per foot that have the ability to produce clear images with dates/time stamps. The cameras would need to be positioned to capture each counter/register area, customer faces upon entering/exiting and around gas pumps. All digital video records would need to be kept in good viewing order for 30 days. Signage alerting customers to the recording must be posted at entrances and exits.

Committees will consider the proposal before it comes before the council. “These ordinances are relatively uncommon and that’s because a one-size-fits-all approach may not be the best approach,” Lenard said. “I hope the mayor will be reaching out to stores to determine the best course of action to accomplish our common goals.”