City Island will be under 24-hour police watch after surveillance cameras are installed in an effort to reduce petty crime.

Three cameras will be installed along City Island Avenue. The cameras will have the capacity to turn 180 degrees and zoom as far as two blocks. Officials say the purpose of the surveillance is to reduce crime and traffic violations in the area. The recorded activity will be monitored over the Internet by police and designated city leaders.

The idea of being under 24-hour surveillance is creating mixed reactions in the area. Some residents say the cameras are unnecessary and believe the surveillance is an invasion of their privacy. However, the president of the Civic Association says the cameras are legal and are not an invasion of privacy because their sole purpose is to assist police in reducing crime.