Criminals are fast becoming more sophisticated, coordinated, and connected. In response, law enforcement agencies and their public sector allies are beginning to adopt digital tools to stay ahead.
It’s a game of digital cat and mouse, yet one in which integrated technologies can give the law enforcement community an edge. Case in point: Connected video solutions, a tech-savvy approach to daily incident management that relies on three pillars:
- A network of cameras and other connected devices. The hardware is present where crime is prevalent or where citizens have a particular need to feel safe. These cameras can have abilities for customization with sensors or video analytics solutions that automatically detect threats or incidents such as gunshots, trespassing, or suspect vehicles.
- Central operations center. Otherwise known as a “real-time crime center,” this is a central hub for incident management wherein footage from cameras and data from emergency hotlines and other sources all come together. For example, when a sensor alert or call comes in, operators can access the cameras in real-time to verify the event and follow its development. A central operations center helps everyone in the network make informed decisions about the actions and resources needed, resulting in a faster response and less risk of incorrect or unnecessary deployments.
- Connected field resources. Effectively connected video solutions enable information to be passed from cameras to the operations centre and then distributed to mobile devices in the field. This way, relevant officers on the scene can receive timely and essential information that helps them in the moment, such as license plate numbers or images of vehicles and suspects. This data can also improve the safety of first responders by preparing them for what’s at the scene effectively. After all, when everyone has access to the latest information, the total response becomes faster and more coordinated.
Taking the lead
A connected video solution sounds good on paper, but what about the real world? Promisingly, real-time connected video networks are already being used in major city centres worldwide. Take, for example, the following case studies:
- Hartford, Connecticut: Axis and Vulcan Security Technologies worked with the Hartford Police Department (HPD) to create a new Capital City Command Center (C4) to synthesize vast amounts of data and video into actionable intelligence and push it out to officers as needed.
- Almere, Netherlands: Axis helped the city establish an integrated solution for monitoring incidents and irregularities in the city center and traffic.
- Kolhapur, India: 116 fixed cameras, 17 PTZ cameras, and 32 panoramic cameras in the city’s entry/exit points, traffic junctions, and important tourist attractions to keep the city safe and ensure quicker response times and faster access to evidence in case of law violations.
- Auburn, New Hampshire: Pelmac Industries, a security systems company and Axis Communications gold partner, introduced the Auburn Police Department to the Axis body-worn solution and AXIS Camera Station.
Eliminating data silos
Neither of the above examples would have been possible without a fundamentally collaborative and connected approach. This approach can be challenging, especially in agencies or municipalities where data siloes exist.
Breaking down data siloes is key to ensuring everyone has a complete picture during the investigation of an incident. Doing so, however, requires the right mindset and resources. Visual and auditory data gathered from different sources must be reconciled and considered alongside factors such as motive, outcome and timeline. For example, if an incident occurred at a business within one city area, and the perpetrators fled the scene in a vehicle to another area of the city, surveillance footage from the business and along the route would add value. In a scenario like this, license plate recognition (LPR) technology embedded within street cameras can work to identify the individuals involved, track the vehicle, and establish the final destination.
The complete picture
Complex risks require connected solutions. Connected video technologies are one way public sector allies wield tech and digital collaborations to get ahead of modern criminal activity.
Learn more about the latest video surveillance tech and best practices at Axis Communications’ website.
