Expected to be up and running soon, the Virginia Beach
(Va.) Police Department has upgraded its CCTV network, and
was scheduled to test its new system during the Fourth of
July weekend.
The installation includes three new cameras to the department’s existing 10-camera network, new fiber-optic cables, and the integration of a facial-recognition system. The installation was approved by the Virginia Beach City Council in late 2001.
“Facial recognition is an additional tool which complements our existing CCTV system,” said A.M. Jacocks, police chief of the Virginia Beach Police. “We believe that facial recognition will aid the police department in maintaining a safe environment for our residents and the more than 3 million visitors who come to Virginia Beach each year.”
This year, the police department has worked with a citizen committee to develop its internal guidelines for the system’s use. That process was completed in May.
