Chicago PD Adopts Innovative Security Camera Program in Roscoe Village
The solution, provided by Alert Protective Services, utilizes night vision-equipped cameras that feed fully encrypted video footage into a Cloud system.
Roscoe Village is located five miles from downtown Chicago. (CC BY 2.0)
CHICAGO — The Chicago Police Department hosted an orientation and training meeting on Wednesday for District 19 officers who will be utilizing an innovative network of Cloud-based security cameras installed throughout Roscoe Village as part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) initiative.
CAPS is a community driven policing strategy designed for the CPD that aims to bridge the gap between the police force and the citizens of the Windy City.
(l to r:) CPD Sergeant John Utz; Sam Winegardner, sales manager, Brivo/Eagle Eye Networks; Erez Akiva and Jason Elster of Roscoe Village Neighbors; CPD Sgt. Tim Fitzpatrick; CPD Sgt. Mary Hein; and Bryan Niermeyer, commercial sales manager, Alert Protective Services.
“The centerpiece of the program is the installation of up to 30 cameras in Roscoe Village. These night vision-equipped cameras will feed fully encrypted video footage into [an Eagle Eye Networks] Cloud system that CAPS officers can access upon request as part of their investigation and crime solving efforts,” explains Bryan Niermeyer, commercial sales manager at Alert Protective Services, which was selected by the Roscoe Village Neighbors association to deploy the solution.
Roscoe Village is located five miles from downtown Chicago. It is described as a pocket neighborhood within the larger North Center neighborhood, and is often referred to as a village within the city. The community features a thriving mix of independently-owned shops and restaurants, schools, parks and more that is described as helping give the walkable neighborhood a small-town feel.
“The goal of the program is to assist police in Roscoe Village and discourage crime from occurring in the first place. As participation in the program expands, Roscoe Village will become a safer place to live, work, and play,” says Jason Elster, RVN Neighborhood Watch committee chair.
The solution hardware consists of Eagle Eye Networks’ cameras, bridge, switch and other equipment. The cameras are all mounted outdoors on privately-owned buildings to view public areas (right of way) only, along with sidewalks, streets and intersections.
In addition to installing new cameras approved and funded by the board of Roscoe Village Neighbors, businesses and residents can purchase cameras linked to the program or bridge devices which allow existing cameras to be linked as well, according to an announcement.
This unique partnership with RVN, Alert Protective Services and CAPS combines strong advocacy with an alert system and enhanced communication that will result in increased apprehensions, stronger prosecution and lower crime overall, the announcement states.
The program will be supported by street signs at entry points to Roscoe Village and a marketing campaign to provide additional deterrent value.
Alert Protective Services is a full-service residential and commercial security provider that has served the grater Chicagoland area for nearly 40 years. The company installs, services and monitors security, smart home and fire alarm systems, along with video surveillance systems, intercoms and wire for sound, video and telephony.
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