The City of Carmel, Indiana, has deployed Genetec Security Center across more than 40 municipal sites, bringing security and operational systems onto a shared platform used by departments ranging from public safety to parks and public works.

The platform allows Carmel’s public safety teams to monitor video, alarms, emergency calls, response vehicles and IoT sensors through an interactive city map. First responders can access the same information on mobile devices to help coordinate resources during incidents.

According to Genetec, city teams used the platform when a rare tornado struck Carmel to map the storm’s path and assess its impact. They identified the hardest-hit areas and directed first responders, utility crews and public works resources to those locations.

“By bringing all our departments onto one city-wide platform, we’ve reduced complexity,” said Morgan Rinehart, network architect at the City of Carmel.

Rinehart said the approach has helped improve decision-making and response efficiency while making operations more cost-effective for residents.

Supporting municipal services

Carmel is also using the platform to support daily operations beyond public safety.

Engineering and street teams can monitor road conditions, coordinate snow removal and manage traffic during construction detours without sending personnel into the field to assess conditions. Parks teams can monitor crowd levels, facility usage and safety at the city’s waterpark and trails, while public events teams can track pedestrian traffic in community plazas and during gatherings.

The platform gives Carmel’s IT team a centralized view of system health, including device status and potential vulnerabilities. Staff can also review cybersecurity information and manage firmware and software updates as the city’s connected-device inventory grows.

Expanding coverage through a hybrid approach

Carmel’s deployment includes a hybrid approach, using the cloud-based Security Center SaaS platform to expand video coverage for temporary projects and large events. The city can deploy mobile cameras and connect with systems operated by local schools, sports organizations and critical infrastructure partners.

Carmel plans to expand the platform as its smart city initiatives evolve by connecting additional systems and community partners. The open platform allows the city to add capabilities as its needs change while maintaining a consistent approach to security and operations, according to Genetec.