Community Connect: Empowering Communities to Work Together with Local Law Enforcement

Quick Overview

• Community Connect integrates local surveillance cameras with police departments to enhance public safety.
• Genetec’s program has demonstrated substantial crime reduction in cities like Detroit.
• It operates as an opt-in system promoting cooperation rather than a purchasable service.
• Community Connect fosters collective initiatives aimed at shared objectives such as safety and economic development.

Introduction

With the rise of security camera usage throughout Australia, local councils and businesses provide crucial video evidence that can assist police in investigations. Nevertheless, limited resources often prevent police from making the most of this footage. This is where Community Connect, an initiative by Genetec, steps in to fill that gap and bolster community safety.

Genetec’s Initiative: Community Connect

Understanding the difficulties police face in obtaining and utilizing security footage, Genetec launched Community Connect. Stephan Kaiser, General Manager for AutoVu at Genetec, states, “We aimed to establish a straightforward method for communities to provide their security resources to the police.” This platform empowers community stakeholders to work alongside law enforcement, sharing their security resources and video data.

Effect on Crime Rates

Community Connect has showcased remarkable success internationally. In Detroit, a city notorious for high violent crime rates, active involvement in the program has resulted in significant crime reductions. Similarly, an international airport in Canada experienced a near-total decline in vehicle thefts due to its engagement.

The Opt-In Framework

Community Connect is not a product available for sale. It is an opt-in framework crafted to encourage collaboration between communities and police forces, with the goal of lowering crime rates and enhancing police response times. This cooperative method permits communities to contribute actively to their safety enhancement.

Potential for Community Change

By interlinking video streams from cameras set up by the community directly to police command centres, Community Connect plays a significant role in deterring potential criminals. In Detroit, areas engaged in the program display a green light, indicating their direct link to law enforcement, which has proven to be an efficient deterrent.

Summary

Community Connect by Genetec is an initiative aimed at enhancing public safety through increased collaboration between communities and local law enforcement. This opt-in framework not only contributes to crime reduction but also promotes community involvement in preserving safety and pursuing common objectives.

FAQs

Q: What is Community Connect?

A: Community Connect is an opt-in framework by Genetec that enables communities to share security resources and video footage with local law enforcement, improving public safety and minimizing crime rates.

Q: How does Community Connect function?

A: It connects video streams from community cameras directly to police command stations, facilitating quicker responses and deterring potential wrongdoers.

Q: In which locations has Community Connect been successful?

A: It has proven effective in cities such as Detroit and at an international airport in Canada, where crime rates have markedly decreased.

Q: Is Community Connect a marketable product?

A: No, it is a cooperative framework that communities can choose to join, rather than something available for purchase.

Q: What advantages come from participating in Community Connect?

A: Communities that participate can see reduced crime rates, heightened safety, and expedited police response, while also contributing to broader community aspirations.