The city of Atlanta has invested more than $350,000 in technological enhancements to the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) program at the Operation Shield Video Integration Center (VIC), funded by the Renew Atlanta infrastructure bond program, according to a press release.
The VIC integrates approximately 7,500 publicly and privately owned cameras which increases the Atlanta Police Department’s coverage of the city streets, using state-of-the-art analytical software. Cameras are located throughout Buckhead and also in Sandy Springs.
“The new enhancements to the Loudermilk Video Integration Center mark a major step forward for the city of Atlanta, using data-driven technology to improve efficiency as well as to strengthen safety and security of Atlanta’s residents, visitors and businesses,” said Mayor Kasim Reed in a statement.
“The upgraded CCTV system and high-definition video wall at the VIC will improve situational awareness for the Atlanta Police Department and first responders during public events and enhance emergency preparedness efforts,” Reed said.
The new technology enhancements enable the CCTV system to transmit video feeds from 128 different camera locations and share information with other city of Atlanta facilities, including the Joint Operation Center.
“As a result, the VIC will now provide surveillance that enhances emergency preparedness, enabling police, fire and emergency professionals to better evaluate a situation and connect and respond before arriving on the scene of an accident,” according to a press release.
“This investment in the Loudermilk Video Integration Center builds a more cutting edge, ‘real-time’ crime center that benefits both the Atlanta Police Department and citizens of Atlanta,” said Dave Wilkinson, president of the Atlanta Police Foundation.
The Atlanta Police Department launched the Video Integration Center as part of Operation Shield in 2007. The Video Integration Center was renamed the Loudermilk Video Integration Center following a $1 million donation from the Loudermilk Family in 2012.