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| The combination of Bosch security cameras and SituCon's robust privacy protection offers citizens security |
Brookline, Massachusetts, USA Neighbouring Boston, MA, Brookline is part of one of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) regions. In order to ensure the safety and security of citizens, the federal government funded a camera system intended to monitor major thoroughfares and evacuation routes throughout the town of Brookline. Not only does Brookline have increased security concerns because it borders a major city, but the Boston area is also regarded as having the strictest privacy standards in the United States.
Business objective:
Shortly after installation, the town became concerned that the safety benefits of these cameras did not outweigh their perceived intrusion on personal freedom and privacy, and voted to take the system down. Faced with this, Brookline struggled to retain the safety and security benefits of the cameras, which have aided police in nearly 80 investigations since their installation, while providing the comfortable environment their community desired.
Solution:
Brookline officials quickly realised that making video available only at specific times was the answer to providing both safety and privacy. SituCon Systems was called upon to deploy its Emergency Awareness Solution. This solution uses innovative privacy protecting technologies, a sophisticated alerting system and on-demand video to allow cameras to be placed in previously prohibited areas.
Bosch AutoDome 300 Series high-speed pan-tilt-zoom cameras are installed at important intersections throughout the town |
SituCon's solution electronically and physically masks camera images at all times other than when camera use is needed due to safety concerns. To guarantee privacy, SituCam Privacy Protecting Cameras using Brookline's Bosch AutoDome 300 Series high-speed pan-tilt-zoom cameras, which are installed at important intersections throughout the town, were deployed.
The SituCams feature mechanical "eyelids" that physically prevent camera use when closed and make it obvious to community members that the cameras are not in use. Now, instead of 24/7 surveillance, Brookline's cameras are only active during high risk periods, such as at night.
Result:
The unique combination of Bosch security cameras and SituCon's robust privacy protections enables Brookline to offer its citizens the security and privacy they desire. In the event of an emergency, the Brookline Police Department can remotely activate the cameras using SituCon's software, which simultaneously sends text messages and email to notify privacy advocates and town officials that cameras are in use.
As Scott Wilder, Technology Director of the Brookline Police Department points out, "SituCon is the only technology that provides law enforcement with complete real-time video of an incident while protecting community privacy at all other times."
