The Arlington Police Department (APD) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative, "Connect Arlington," aimed at enhancing public safety through community collaboration and technology utilization. Chief of Police Al Jones emphasized that crime is not solely a policing issue but a community concern that necessitates cooperation.
Connect Arlington provides an avenue for residents and businesses to actively participate in crime prevention by offering quick access to their surveillance footage. Residents can register their cameras with APD's Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) at no cost. In the event of an incident, RTCC can promptly identify registered surveillance cameras in the vicinity, contact owners for footage, and allow participants to directly upload relevant material.
Registration does not grant the department live or unfiltered access to residential cameras, ensuring privacy. For businesses, integration is available through the purchase of a Fusus core device, allowing direct access to their live camera feeds by RTCC. Businesses maintain control over which specific cameras RTCC can access.
“When a crime occurs, the suspect isn’t usually waiting at the scene for officers to arrive,” said Deputy Chief Steve Williams whose Technical Services Division is overseeing the Connect Arlington program. “Our chances of finding and taking that suspect into custody increase exponentially the sooner we’re able to identify them or their vehicle. That’s why we’re hopeful our residents and businesses will embrace Connect Arlington.”
Both registration and integration options are voluntary, and participants have the flexibility to opt-in or opt-out at any time. Christopher Lindenau, CEO of Fusus, the technology vendor supporting Connect Arlington, underlined the significance of community engagement in building trust. The program aims to foster joint initiatives for public safety, with increased community involvement anticipated as a positive outcome.
Interested residents and businesses can learn more about the program or sign up by visiting the APD website.
