Department Initiatives—Technology
Community Camera Program The department recently established a partnership with local citizens and businesses by initiating a new voluntary Community Camera Program. The program allows FWPD to expand its database of accessible cameras to use for investigative purposes in the event of a crime. Businesses, residents, and homeowner’s associations (HOAs), are encouraged to purchase and register cameras with FWPD, allowing the department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) quicker access to nearby cameras that may have captured criminal activity. Within the first week of the program in August 2016, over 180 cameras were registered. By December 31, there were 423 unique registrations, providing FWPD access to 2,207 cameras. To ensure long-term success, the department will continue promoting and marketing the program with local citizens and businesses using flyers, community meeting announcements through Neighborhood Police Officers, and social media campaigns. FWPD will also incorporate the registration data into the Omega CrimeView dashboard, allowing officers and investigators to compare locations of crimes in relation to locations of registered cameras. The department looks forward to the continued growth of this program. Camera Network Expansion The expansion of the FWPD surveillance camera network is a legitimate force multiplier. The Real Time Crime Center accepts camera feeds, where staff process and communicate real-time information to officers responding to citywide incidents. Additionally, expansion in this area leverages the use of technology to fight and deter crime. This project will begin in 2017 with 192 cameras and $1,085,000 in Police Department and Neighborhood Services Department grant funds.
23
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker