Dallas Police Department launches wireless surveillance cameras downtown

by PegNews wire

Dallas PD teamed up with Garland-based BearCom to install a surveillance system that covers about 30 percent of downtown Dallas and delivers live 24-hour monitoring in City Hall and Dallas Police headquarters.

States a release: "The system is designed with strict adherence to applicable laws and will be used only in public areas with visible camera placement and street level signage."

The installation of 40 cameras began this past January. With the equipment, detectives can read license plates from 300 yards away and can monitor activity at night. Most cameras have motorized controls for officers sitting in remote locations.

"Our goal was to reduce crime in the downtown business district and to combat the perception of inadequate safety measures in the area," said Deputy Police Chief Tom Lawrence. "We were pleasantly surprised at the speed of implementation and the tremendous support from the business community. While we did not go into the project with the concept of wireless, the benefits quickly became obvious: the mesh (technology) enables quick setup of the network without a complete overhaul, while providing excellent bandwidth and security for video streams."

Posted by Blair