Supporting Communities with Resources

CLEVELAND –Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish along with Department of Public Safety/Justice Services Director Brandy Carney, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department and Independence Mayor and Police Department announce the launch of the county-wide Camera Safety Project. The Camera Safety Project was established to address the need to provide public safety/anti-terrorism safety to communities throughout Cuyahoga County.

“Improving public safety is not only a priority for this administration, but also our community. The Camera Safety Project will enhance current safety capabilities and provide a robust security picture throughout the county, during and after the RNC,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “I commend the Department of Public Safety & Justice Services for implementing this project and adding a great tool to our public safety initiatives as we support the communities throughout our county.”

The Camera Safety Project is a phased project. This initial phase included the purchase of five mobile camera units that can be used by Cuyahoga County and communities within the County and taken to high priority or other high interest events. This project will support communities around greater Cleveland who have significant RNC-related activities, and will continue to support various local communities after the RNC concludes. The cameras will be monitored by the Cuyahoga County Emergency Communications Center (CECOMS) and Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department staff along with the dispatch center of the respective City or entity using the mobile camera unit. The locations of cameras will be determined based on request(s) and priority. The second phase of the project, which will be implemented in 2017, will include fixed cameras throughout Cuyahoga County.

“Mobile Safety Cameras provide additional support for our law enforcement community in their anti-terrorism efforts,” said Director of Public Safety & Justice Services Brandy Carney.

Funding for this phase of the Camera Safety Project was acquired through a $250,000 Homeland Security Program Grant. The trailer-based mobile, high definition PTZ safety cameras provide a 360 degree panoramic view of desired locations via the three cameras on each trailer, and are able to operate self-powered for extended periods of time. Each Law Enforcement trailer operates efficiently utilizing solar power and batteries, and allows for remote monitoring and administration.

The five cameras were recently received and will be deployed for the week of the RNC. An initial pilot was completed last week with the City of Rocky River using the cameras.

“Rocky River was delighted to pilot such a remarkable piece of law enforcement technology. The mobile safety camera is a very powerful tool with incredible capabilities. The camera had excellent resolution and was easy to utilize for our recent, well attended community event. This tool has endless applications for the law enforcement community, thus making our cities safer.” said City of Rocky River Mayor Pamela Bobst.