The City and Port of Richmond, Calif., has selected ADT Security Services to design and install two public security camera systems. Installation of the new systems is expected to be completed by April.

One system will be used to reduce crime and vandalism, and limit illegal dumping and trespassing. The Port of Richmond will use a cameras as part of the its homeland security initiatives.

The digital video surveillance systems will cost about $4 million and include 116 cameras. The city’s solution will have the ability to wirelessly transmit images to police headquarters and to a police dispatch center where video feeds will be monitored. The Port system can wirelessly transmit images to Port Security.

The three-year contact with ADT involves the installation and maintenance of 34 cameras in high crime areas, including unincorporated parts of North Richmond. The contract for the Port calls for the installation and maintenance of 82 cameras.

The systems will be paid for by the City of Richmond, the North Richmond Waste and Recovery Mitigation Fund and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

System software can be programmed to enable the cameras to recognize and record certain activity in a location, which can help law enforcement identify the occurrence of criminal conduct, such as someone painting graffiti on a wall or dumping trash and garbage in unauthorized areas.

The cameras can also be easily repositioned on a wireless mesh network.

“New, proven wireless mesh technology makes this type of video security system not only practical, but also a real tool for increasing public safety,” said John Koch, president of ADT North America. “We believe that the City and Port of Richmond are taking a leadership role by using this technology and that other city and local governments will soon follow.”

A second phase of the project is already in the planning and engineering phases and will include transmitting video directly to Richmond police patrol cars giving officers the ability to view crime scenes remotely and obtain critically important information before they arrive at the scene.

“Ultimately the wireless technology will allow us to get video directly to officers out in the field,” said Richmond Deputy Police Chief Ed Medina. “That means officers could have a real idea of the situation and what they are walking into before they arrive.”

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