COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) -- Big brother is watching you in Downtown Columbus.

Surveillance cameras have been set up in the business district.

City leaders say it's all in an effort to beef up security in the downtown area.

Some business leaders are thrilled about the added protection.

"I'm very excited that the city stepped in and took measures to make people feel more comfortable downtown to reassure people that it's totally safe, " said Barbara Bigelow, Columbus Main Street's Executive Director.

Columbus police say the cameras record 24 hours a day, and are another weapon in the fight against crime.

"It's been very effective because now again we can monitor downtown area and the traffic.  It helps us to let us know if there is a location where there is a problem," said Chief Frederick Shelton of the Columbus Police Department.

Chief Shelton also says his department will be sharing the surveillance footage with other agencies to assist with their investigations.

The city of Columbus also installed LED lighting in the downtown area.