WASHINGTON — The Metropolitan Police Department held a ribbon cutting Monday for its "Real-Time Crime Center" alongside D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. They also launched a new initiative -- CameraConnect DC.
The initiative will allow residents and businesses to more efficiently share security camera video with the Real-Time Crime Center as police look to close cases. The crime center will gather and analyze data from various sources, including CCTV cameras and emergency calls.
This means that hundreds of the city's cameras will be monitored in real time.
“We have been focused, for many years now, on how we expand our network of cameras, because we know that video plays a key role in investigating cases and successfully prosecuting criminals," Mayor Bowser said. "Now, we are calling on residents and businesses to partner with us through CameraConnect DC to help us build a safer, stronger D.C.”
The crime center will be online live 24/7, and run out of the DC Police headquarters. It will partner with nine federal and local agencies to monitor of 300 CCTV cameras throughout the city with the goal to reduce crime. The technology will also be able to help officers identify and stop emerging crime activity.
During the ribbon cutting event it was announced that the Real-Time Crime Center has also worked to help make quick arrests after Friday shooting at Georgia and New Hampshire Avenues Northwest.
In the past decade these centers have spread across the nation. Officials praise them for safety reasons, but those concerned with civil liberties say they're alarmed.
In a statement the ACLU wrote when the center was announced, it said: "Unchecked government surveillance does not improve public safety, and it threatens the rights of all community members. Real public safety requires transparency, safeguards, and accountability."
The ACLU also brought up questions about what will police do with the video and how will they share it to ensure privacy. Chief Pam Smith at the time says they are working to ensure what they gather is transparent and accessible to the public.
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