New video center creates network of public and private cameras to assist in crime prevention, investigation and emergency preparedness
ATLANTA --- Mayor Kasim Reed joined Police Chief George Turner and Atlanta Police Foundation President and CEO Dave Wilkinson today as they unveiled the first phase of Operation Shield Video Integration Center (VIC) in downtown Atlanta. This new center will provide the Atlanta Police Department (APD) an important new weapon in its crime-fighting arsenal. The VIC is a key component of Operation Shield, an Atlanta Police Department and Atlanta Police Foundation partnership aimed at linking communications between the APD, private security forces and other local law enforcement agencies.
“Public safety has been a top priority for my administration, and the Video Integration Center is a vital investment towards a safer city,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “We must continue to seek innovative ways to fight crime, and bringing together the public and private sectors allow us to share in the responsibility of keeping our streets safe for residents, workers, tourists and visitors alike.”
The Operation Shield integrated video surveillance system will significantly increase the Atlanta Police Department’s coverage and awareness of what is happening on city streets. Through the Video Integration Center, APD officers will have the ability to provide 24/7 surveillance of both public and private sector cameras using state-of-the-art “smart” analytical software, allowing for close coordination with Atlanta’s E911 center for a timely and efficient response to criminal and suspicious activities on city streets.
The Operation Shield Video surveillance network also greatly enhances emergency preparedness by enabling police, fire and emergency professionals to better assess, prepare, respond and communicate before arriving at the scene of an incident.
“As criminals get more sophisticated, so must law enforcement,” Atlanta Police Chief George Turner said. “This is an exciting opportunity for us to leverage cutting-edge technology, allowing us to stay one step ahead of lawbreakers. It will also help us be more prepared as our officers respond and react to any situation within view of the cameras.”
Currently, cameras owned by the City of Atlanta, Midtown Alliance and other private partners are integrated into the new system. The eventual goal is to deploy a network involving several thousand cameras. The VIC, located within the city’s E911 Center in Downtown Atlanta, is currently staffed with two sergeants and six sworn officers.
The project so far has cost more than $1 million and has been funded by private donations made through the Atlanta Police Foundation, as well as city money.
The Video Integration Center is unique as the project seeks to leverage existing camera infrastructure installed by private entities throughout the city. The project will continue to grow as city and foundation officials work to bring in more public and private sector cameras to ensure a comprehensive and robust network.
“Building public and private partnerships is critical to the success of Operation Shield and the Video Integration Center,” Atlanta Police Foundation President and CEO Dave Wilkinson said. “We look forward to working closely with Mayor Kasim Reed and APD to make sure this is a state-of-the-art facility with heavy involvement from our business partners.”
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