Open architecture key to public cameras

Earlier this week we posted an update on the public camera system installed in the Northern California community of Richmond. Richmond is one of a long list of cities using cameras in the effort to help fight crime and keep its citizens safe.

The system originally had 34 IP wireless cameras and has also already undergone two expansions. See the original news article here.

The first expansion tapped into an existing camera system at a federally funded low-income housing development. The eight-camera system was granted to the Richmond city police department. Richmond PD can tap into it whenever it wants and, according to Deputy Police Chief Ed Medina, it has been a useful law enforcement tool.

Video from that system recently helped show that a bicyclist was responsible for a serious accident involving a car. It recorded the incident, exonerated the driver and put an end to an expansive lawsuit.

The second expansion included three new cameras installed at a recently opened city park.

In both cases the city was able to tap into the new systems without any problem. And Medina credits the open architecture used in the design of the original system.

“We are hoping to tap into other cameras and camera systems more often,” said Medina. “The open architecture used in our system will allow us to do that.”

Richmond police would like to be able to access video from merchants and other businesses in town. Being able to access video from more cameras allows the city to cover more area and collect additional evidence when needed.

“We know that 98 percent of the time we are not going to catch someone in real time coming out of a bank after a robbery,” he said.

He said the real value is in providing hard evidence after the fact.

In order to add additional cameras faster and more cost efficiently, the city is hoping to get installation training for city works crews and other city staff. According to Medina, that training is part of the contract with the security system integrator.

Check back for Deputy Chief Medina’s advice to other cities or municipalities looking to implement a public safety camera system. Also, let us know what you are doing in your own city.

About the Author

PublicSafetyWatch blog

The PublicSafetyWatch blog is sponsored by ADT Security Services, Inc. ('ADT') and SecurityInfoWatch.com with contributions from SecurityInfoWatch.com staff editors, ADT, public safety and security industry experts and professionals. The purpose of the blog is to discuss security related topics such as school security, municipal surveillance, public transportation security, public safety security concerns, and security innovations. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the PublicSafetyWatch blog are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the opinions of SecurityInfoWatch.com, Cygnus Business media, Inc., or ADT Security Services, Inc. or any of their parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees or agents (the 'Sponsors'). The Sponsors do not endorse nor are they responsible for any opinions, advice, content, omissions, hyperlinks, images, articles, information or statements made or displayed within this blog by third parties. The Sponsors reserve the right to delete, withhold from publication, or edit any comment for any reason whatsoever. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Sponsors make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis with no warranties. Terms and Conditions of Use: By reading, viewing, accessing, contributing or otherwise using this blog, you acknowledge the foregoing Disclaimer and agree to these Terms of Use. All information published shall become the property of the Sponsors. You are granted a nonexclusive, nontransferable, limited right to access, use and display the blog and the materials provided hereon, provided that you comply fully with these Terms and Conditions of Use. Under no circumstances shall the Sponsors, contributors or suppliers, or their agents, be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any information contained within this blog. The Sponsors will attempt to respond to specific issues, questions, complaints, or concerns that are brought to their attention; however, the Sponsors have no obligation to monitor any content displayed/posted on this blog.