A big step toward tackling crime in Poughkeepsie is underway. The city received $75,000 to upgrade its anti-crime security cameras and add new ones in parts of the city that are dealing with a high volume of crime.

Some of these cameras are already being used in parts of the Main Street corridor.

However, thanks to a $75,000 grant that was secured by Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, the city will be able to improve those current cameras and add more.

City leaders say this kind of tool is needed especially when it comes to reducing gun violence.

"We need to upgrade some of those cameras so that way, we are clearly seeing what is happening and it's giving our police department additional eyes to see what happened so it's a little easier to prosecute as well," says City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers.

Some Poughkeepsie residents tell News 12 they support the use of these cameras.

"I think it will make a lot of people feel safer," says Poughkeepsie resident Brandon James.

Others are skeptical about the impact they will have.

"Cameras are what they are, they are everywhere now a days, so I don't think it's going to make as much of a difference," says Poughkeepsie resident Christian Bock.

The mayor tells News 12 these upgrades and new cameras will be coming in the next couple of months.