One of law enforcement ’ s most recent advances in effective use of technology is with Real-Time Crime Centers . Elk Grove , for example , has deployed a combination of over 300 cameras which are linked to their crime center . Within 2 weeks of starting operations , Elk Grove Police identified the license plate of a wanted murderer from Livermore . Four different cameras tracked the suspect until officers were vectored-in for the arrest .
Deploying Public Space Camera Technology — A Three Step Process :
As technology advances , police executives in California are faced with making tough choices about camera technology deployed in public space . Before making decisions such as finding the right systems and finding a true technology partner , there is a need to build a foundation of public support .
Step 1 - Gain Community Support : a decision to deploy camera technology largely depends on your community and elected officials . To a significant degree , the Chief of Police has a platform to ensure accurate information is available , to convey trustworthy departmental motives through excellent policy , and to propose effective systems which can meet your jurisdiction ’ s needs while protecting privacy concerns .
It can be assumed police leaders will encounter some citizenry who will have an instant negative response to camera systems in public spaces . Building a solid foundation by linking these systems to
Camera Tech or No Camera Tech ?
Does your agency embrace camera technology because it can help your agency efficiently fight crime and help your community feel safer ? Or Do you avoid the camera technology issue because you know it will be as “ Big Brother ” and conclude the community will not support it ?
A community survey in your local paper or online , might be a good way to gauge support / opposition
Suggestion : frame the survey with a balanced description of crimefighting value versus the public ’ s concern for privacy — explain possible control measures to reassure the public that police want to uphold the constitution and respect privacy .
solving specific crime problems , establishing a transparent process / policy , and by explaining the public safety value of such system can help break down fear and barriers . Even if a sincere effort fails , when things go bad , it will not be for lack of effort .
Step 2 - Develop a Plan : Once community members ( or elected officials ) have expressed conceptual support ; law enforcement leaders should consider developing a long-range plan for camera technology . Too often , we solve one problem at a time which can lead to a fragmented or siloed technology system . Instead , plan for
FOUR CATEGORIES OF CAMERA SYSTEMS : SYSTEM TYPE DESCRIPTION ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES
Automated License Plate
Reader ( ALPR )
Monitored Camera Systems
Unmonitored Camera Systems
Analytic ( or AI ) Camera Systems
Either positioned near key roadway “ choke points ” or mounted on police vehicles , law enforcement can search databases for vehicles by description and license plates ( or partial plates ). Usually networked with regional , state , or national databases , detectives can use this information to produce investigative leads after a crime has occurred . Additionally , law enforcement officers can input “ alerts ” or create “ hot lists ” in the system to provide real-time information about a target vehicle ’ s movements . This is especially useful for Amber Alerts , to locate wanted people , or to locate vehicles involved in serious crimes .
Deployed for decades , these systems allow for real-time monitoring by staff . The system is inherently limited by the number of cameras feeds a person can effectively track on a monitor . An enhancement to these systems is accomplished by the addition of video storage for after-the-fact forensic review . These types of systems represent the lowest level of camera technology .
Deployed in key locations such as high crime areas or places with valuable assets , these systems are not monitored on a 24 / 7 basis . Instead , they function as a deterrent or for after-the-fact forensic analysis purposes .
Similar with ALPR systems , cameras and computers interpret the images . Alerts can be sent to first responders to aid in crimefighting and locating known offenders . Analytic / AI systems are advancing quickly with features like facial recognition , vehicle / person / object identification , and unusual activities ( e . g . car going the wrong way on a one-way road ). These systems are light years ahead in terms of searching stored video . For forensic analysis , what used to take a detective dozens of hours , can be accomplished in minutes .
Advantages : Analytics allow for a proactive approach , extensive search capacities , and valuable investigative leads for major crime . Improvements in camera tech has led to more reliable data being captured ( e . g . night , bad weather , etc .). Through more effective law enforcement , the public may feel safer . By capturing criminals earlier in their crime cycle , there is significant prevention value . Lastly , ALPR systems are especially useful for jurisdictions preyed upon by criminals from outside their boundary .
Disadvantages : Cost to deploy ( requires network connection , storage , and power source ). Public / elected officials may reject ALPR concept .
Advantages : Simple system which functions well for screening visitors when coupled with an intercom ( e . g . for a door with remote unlock feature ). Can enhance proactive police response , but only when the person monitoring recognizes the event as it unfolds .
Disadvantages : Difficult to stay focused on monitor , especially in cases where there are too many video feeds . From staff-time perspective , monitored camera systems are expensive .
Advantages : Simple design and cost effective .
Disadvantages : Limited usefulness and may convey a false sense of security . Also , without modern search features , the forensic analysis process consumes excess staff time .
Advantages : This camera system can leverage available resources and enhance proactive policing . Since they are not actively monitored , these systems can be expanded easily . Analytic ( AI ) systems can instantly filter mountains of data into actionable alerts and help a jurisdiction with limited police officers to effectively cover more area . These systems can be deployed alongside older , less technically advanced systems .
Disadvantages : Complex set-up — must be designed to be effective and solve specific problems . While the public may accept less sophisticated systems , the term “ facial recognition ,” if activated , can cause political turmoil . Extra effort is required to develop a deployment strategy , create policy , and gain public support .
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