Lexington police are opening up real-time intelligence technologies to businesses and residents. The law enforcement division is using a variety of camera technologies in this initiative.
Fusus is a software program that unifies Flock license plate readers, traffic cameras, and cameras operated by businesses and residents who opt in. The process began the first of July and now it is almost fully implemented. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said the public can now play a larger role in addressing crime.
“Starting today businesses and individual citizens here can choose to have a direct impact on the safety of our community through this technology partnership,” said Gorton.
Community partners can register their security cameras and let police know a camera is in the area and could have footage if an incident occurs. Another option is to purchase a device to share live video with the Real-Time Intelligence Center. In addition to buying the device, there is also an annual subscription fee.
Police Commander Matthew Greathouse said there will be no looking into a camera system unless there’s a call for service in that area.
“Right now investigators if they go out in the middle of the night and they are knocking on doors…they’re shining flashlights trying to find cameras, trying to find sources. That’s an extremely inefficient way to try to find....if our community registers those cameras at least our detectives will have a list to go off to at least have a starting point and that then will lead to the next person and the next person,” said Greathouse.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers noted the technology integration unifies all public safety assets. But, the chief added the technology doesn’t replace good police work.
* WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation
