Due to budget cuts, the city of Camden, New Jersey, lost half of the police force that served its 75,000 residents. According to the Federal Bureau of Investiga- tion (FBI), in 2011 Camden was one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. A type of MSS called Real Time Center, a $4.5-million project, is changing the crime rate in Camden significantly. The system combines gunshot- spotting cameras, in-cruiser GPS technology, and analytics to provide real-time information for the police force.

QUESTION

Due to budget cuts, the city of Camden, New Jersey, lost half of the police force that served its 75,000 residents. According to the Federal Bureau of Investiga- tion (FBI), in 2011 Camden was one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. A type of MSS called Real Time Center, a $4.5-million project, is changing the crime rate in Camden significantly. The system combines gunshot- spotting cameras, in-cruiser GPS technology, and analytics to provide real-time information for the police force. With the help of the system, violent and non- violent crimes have been reduced 30 and 38 percent, respectively, and aggravated assaults with a firearm are down 61 percent. Camden County Police Chief Scott J. Thomson says The system also includes 120 cameras located around the city that send updated information every 1.5 seconds to patrol car computer screens. This informa- tion enables officers to see where emergencies are happening at any given time. Squad cars are also equipped with cameras that can take pictures from the license plates and run them instantly through the FBI’s National Crime Information Additionally, the system keeps track of the officers’ movements throughout the city and alerts them as to whether or not they are spending adequate Tactical Information time in each location.” Answer the following questions: 1. What are the three main components of Camden’s Real Time Tactical Information Center? 2. By what percentages have the three major crimes been reduced? 3. How is the system able to reduce 911 response time from 9 minutes nationally to 90 seconds in Camden? 4. What is the role of 120 cameras located around the city?

ANSWER

 The Impact of Camden’s Real Time Tactical Information Center on Crime Reduction

Introduction

Camden, New Jersey, faced a significant challenge when budget cuts led to a reduction in its police force, leaving the city’s 75,000 residents vulnerable to crime. However, the implementation of the Real Time Tactical Information Center has revolutionized law enforcement efforts. This $4.5-million project combines advanced technology and analytics to enhance police efficiency and response time, resulting in remarkable reductions in crime rates. This essay will explore the three main components of Camden’s Real Time Tactical Information Center, the percentages by which major crimes have been reduced, how the system improves emergency response times, and the crucial role played by the 120 cameras located throughout the city.

The Three Main Components of Camden’s Real Time Tactical Information Center

The Real Time Tactical Information Center in Camden comprises three key components: gunshot-spotting cameras, in-cruiser GPS technology, and advanced analytics.

 Gunshot-spotting cameras: These cameras are strategically placed throughout the city and use sophisticated audio detection technology to identify and locate the sound of gunshots in real-time. By pinpointing the exact location of gunfire incidents, law enforcement agencies can respond swiftly, thus preventing potential crimes and ensuring public safety (Wiig, 2017).

 In-cruiser GPS technology: Patrol cars are equipped with GPS technology that provides officers with real-time updates on emergency situations, crime hotspots, and the location of their fellow officers. This enhances coordination among the police force and enables officers to reach incidents more quickly, reducing response times significantly.

 Advanced analytics: The Real Time Tactical Information Center utilizes advanced data analytics to process and analyze vast amounts of information collected from various sources, including the gunshot-spotting cameras and GPS technology. These analytics help identify crime patterns, predict potential incidents, and allocate resources effectively. By providing valuable insights, the system assists law enforcement in making informed decisions and deploying officers efficiently.

 Reductions in Crime Rates

Since the implementation of Camden’s Real Time Tactical Information Center, the city has experienced substantial reductions in major crimes. According to reports from Camden County Police Chief Scott J. Thomson, violent crimes have decreased by 30 percent, while non-violent crimes have seen a reduction of 38 percent. Furthermore, aggravated assaults involving firearms have dropped by an impressive 61 percent. These statistics highlight the effectiveness of the system in enhancing public safety and curbing criminal activities.

 Improved Emergency Response Times

One of the most remarkable achievements of the Real Time Tactical Information Center is its ability to significantly reduce emergency response times in Camden. While the national average for 911 response time stands at 9 minutes, the system has achieved an astonishing response time of just 90 seconds. This feat is made possible by the integration of various components within the system.

The gunshot-spotting cameras and GPS technology provide real-time information to the officers, enabling them to quickly identify and respond to emergency situations. The instant updates from the 120 cameras located around the city provide a comprehensive view of the unfolding incidents. Additionally, the system tracks officers’ movements, ensuring they spend adequate time in different locations, thereby optimizing the allocation of resources. These combined features enable officers to reach the scene of a crime swiftly, minimizing potential harm and maximizing their ability to prevent crimes (Wiig, 2017b).

Role of 120 Cameras Located Around the City

The 120 cameras dispersed throughout Camden play a pivotal role in the Real Time Tactical Information Center. These cameras capture live video feeds, which are relayed to the patrol car computer screens every 1.5 seconds. This continuous stream of information allows officers to gain real-time situational awareness and respond promptly to emergencies as they unfold.

Moreover, the cameras’ ability to capture license plate images enables instant checks through the FBI’s National Crime Information Center database (Long et al., 2021). This assists in identifying vehicles

 associated with criminal activities, enhancing investigations and apprehension efforts. Additionally, the camera network provides a comprehensive surveillance system, deterring potential criminals and improving overall community safety.

Conclusion

Camden’s Real Time Tactical Information Center represents a significant advancement in law enforcement technology, effectively combating crime in a city plagued by budget cuts and high crime rates. By leveraging gunshot-spotting cameras, in-cruiser GPS technology, and advanced analytics, the system has achieved remarkable reductions in violent and non-violent crimes, as well as aggravated assaults with firearms. The integration of these components has also revolutionized emergency response times, enabling officers to arrive at the scene within 90 seconds. With the support of the 120 cameras located throughout the city, law enforcement can monitor and respond to incidents in real-time, ensuring the safety and well-being of Camden’s residents.

References

Long, D., Liu, L., Xu, M., Feng, J., Chen, J., & He, L. (2021). Ambient population and surveillance cameras: The guardianship role in street robbers’ crime location choice. Cities, 115, 103223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2021.103223 

Wiig, A. (2017). Secure the city, revitalize the zone: Smart urbanization in Camden, New Jersey. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space, 36(3), 403–422. https://doi.org/10.1177/2399654417743767 

Wiig, A. (2017b). Secure the city, revitalize the zone: Smart urbanization in Camden, New Jersey. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space, 36(3), 403–422. https://doi.org/10.1177/2399654417743767