Nesquehoning police are going high-tech when it comes to providing public safety.

Residents may have recently noticed surveillance cameras being installed around the borough.

Police Chief Sean Smith said they shouldn’t be alarmed, because the cameras are there to help in cases involving violent or serious crimes that may come through the borough.

Last year, the department applied for a grant for the cameras and was approved. Installation began Wednesday.

“We’re putting them up as crime prevention and to solve violent crimes,” Smith said, noting types of crimes these will be used to identify include armed robberies, auto thefts, crashes and drug investigations.

Cameras will be placed at major intersections, including Routes 209 and 54 and Routes 209 and 93 and along Catawissa Street. There will also be ones covering the elementary school and New Columbus.

“My intention is additional public safety, and it is like actually there are additional police out,” Smith said. “It’s community policing.”