SPRINGFIELD - A city crackdown on illegal dumping, begun last summer and aided by use of security cameras at various problem sites, has led to seven police citations and plans to expand the program.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Police Commissioner John Barbieri, and Parks, Buildings and Recreation Director Patrick Sullivan announced the results of the crackdown on Tuesday.

Clean City Manager Richard Mastroianni and Park Environmental Specialist Edward Brunton have been maintaining security cameras at multiple sites throughout the city that are used often for illegal dumping activity, officials said.

"Providing a high quality of life for our residents and businesses is a top priority of my administration," Sarno said in a prepared release. "We will continue to do what is necessary to ensure that our city maintains a high standard of cleanliness and we will prosecute those who wish to blemish the beauty of our Springfield. With the use of these portable cameras and as Alan Funk would say; Smile you're on Candid Camera"

Barbieri said there "zero tolerance" for the illegal dumping. They were joined by announcing the result with Patrick J. Sullivan, the city's director of parks, buildings and recreation management.

The following persons have been caught illegally dumping as part of this effort and were cited by the Springfield Police Department, according to the release.

The following were cited for dumping behind 1284 Boston Road, along with a description of the offense:

Scott F. Aurnhammer of 903 West Street, Ludlow, for allegedly dumping televisions on Jan. 2, 2015.

Gessica Mejias of 2191 Page Blvd., Springfield, for allegedly dumping tires on Feb. 28, 2015.

Merilin Ramos of 221 Beacon Circle, Springfield, for allegedly dumping tires on March 19, 2015,.

The following were cited for dumping on Moxon Street in Indian Orchard:

Jaynette Rodriguez of 176 Centre Street, Indian Orchard, for allegedly dumping a large amount of trash in September 2014.

Marc S. Giles, 6 East Laramee Green, Springfield, for allegedly dumping trash, yard waste and cinder blocks on Sept. 30, 2014.

Luis Curbelo Jr. of 113 Center Street, Ludlow, for allegedly dumping a car battery on Aug. 19, 2014.

Mariana Rodriguez of 125 Verge Street, Springfield, for allegedly dumping mattresses on June 27, 2014.

City ordinances

allow for a fine of up to $300 for anyone caught illegally dumping on property owned by the city Parks Department.