In a landmark development, Hinds County has become the first in the United States to launch a comprehensive public safety initiative, leveraging 911 Camera Sharing technology.
Announced by government, business, and law enforcement leaders at the Hinds County Emergency Operations Center, this venture represents a collaborative effort among local governments, schools, churches, businesses, and community groups to enhance public safety.
Enhanced Emergency Response
The initiative aims for significant improvements in crime deterrence and emergency response. Featuring Brivo Eagle Eye solar-powered cameras, the system offers 911 dispatchers immediate access to live footage from designated cameras near emergency sites, thus enhancing situational awareness and guiding first responders more effectively.
The program has reportedly aided in preventing illegal dumping and supporting criminal investigations in Hinds County. "The program is specifically designed to use technology in a smart, cost-efficient way to deliver measurable outcomes for residents and safeguard our officers. This is also a way to assist law enforcement with criminal investigations," explained Robert Graham, President of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors.
Community-Driven Safety Improvements
The initial phase has seen the installation of 72 camera units across the county, including in Jackson
The initial phase has seen the installation of 72 camera units across the county, including in Jackson, the town of Terry, multiple neighborhood associations, a church, and around Jackson State University. Objectives of the program include deterring crime, boosting officer and student safety, accelerating emergency responses, and aiding investigations. Additionally, it aims to improve community living by reducing illegal dumping and fostering neighborhood pride.
Access to these cameras is strictly controlled. Footage is available only to trained 911 staff during verified emergencies involving designated cameras. The dispatchers cannot alter the system or download footage, ensuring privacy. Wilson Technology, Inc., a Jackson-based security integration firm, designed and installed this inclusive and expandable system, which welcomes participation from various organizations without requiring new camera purchases.
Pioneering Public Safety
Fredrick Wilson, CEO of Wilson Technology Inc., expressed a commitment to collaborating with local entities on the initiative, stating, "Wilson Technology is committed to the safety and security of our community and our state, which is why we’re actively working with other local businesses to join the Hinds County Safety Camera Initiative." He added that other Mississippi counties and universities are observing Hinds County's success with interest.
Dean Drako, CEO of Brivo, highlighted the potential of the Hinds County model as a blueprint for other areas. "The Hinds County Camera Safety Initiative is a powerful model for other jurisdictions seeking to unite their communities and technology for modern public safety, which reflects the vision of our company and this product," Drako noted.
Hinds County government, business, and law enforcement officials today announced the Hinds County Safety Camera Initiative, making it the first county in the U.S. to implement a comprehensive public safety technology initiative leveraging 911 Camera Sharing.
Speaking at a press conference at the Hinds County Emergency Operations Center, officials said the collaborative effort unites government, educational institutions, churches, businesses, and neighborhood organizations in a community-supported public safety program.
Delivering measurable outcomes
Security cameras throughout Hinds County are equipped with 911 Camera Sharing technology that gives 911 dispatchers instant access to view footage from pre-designated, shareable cameras in the immediate vicinity of the emergency. This real-time visibility multiplies the dispatcher's ability to assess a situation, allowing them to better inform and guide first responders on the ground.
The system has already helped deter illegal dumping in some Hinds County areas, and help law enforcement in investigating criminal incidents. “The program is specifically designed to use technology in a smart, cost-efficient way to deliver measurable outcomes for residents and safeguard our officers. This is also a way to assist law enforcement with criminal investigations,” said Robert Graham, President of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors.
Accelerating emergency response
In the initial phase, 72 Brivo Eagle Eye solar-powered security camera cabinets equipped with 911 Camera Sharing, have been installed throughout Hinds County, including the city of Jackson, the town of Terry, eight neighborhood HOAs, one church, and the areas around Jackson State University and Jackson Public Schools.
The Hinds County Safety Camera Initiative is designed to improve:
- Crime & Safety: Deterring crime; increasing officer safety; enhancing student safety.
- Response & Investigation: Accelerating emergency response and incident investigation.
- Community & Quality of Life: Reducing illegal dumping and improving neighborhood cleanliness; amplifying neighborhood pride and confidence.
Safety camera system
Cameras participating in the Hinds County Safety Camera Initiative are not available for public viewing and are not continuously monitored. Camera video access is limited to trained 911 professionals and only available during a verified emergency involving a location with a participating camera that has been authorized for sharing. The dispatcher cannot access camera credentials, make any changes to the system, or download footage, ensuring privacy and security.
Designed and installed by Wilson Technology, Inc., a Jackson, Miss.-based security integration firm, the safety camera system is inclusive and expandable. Any business, school, or house of worship can join the program, regardless of whether they are existing Brivo Eagle Eye customers. Organizations do not need to purchase new cameras to join the program. The more cameras and organizations that sign on, the stronger the 911 Camera Sharing initiative becomes.
Modern public safety
“Wilson Technology is committed to the safety and security of our community and our state, which is why we’re actively working with other local businesses to join the Hinds County Safety Camera Initiative. We are also working with other Mississippi counties, municipalities, and universities, which have seen the success of the Hinds County project," said Fredrick Wilson, CEO of Wilson Technology Inc.
“The Hinds County Camera Safety Initiative is a powerful model for other jurisdictions seeking to unite their communities and technology for modern public safety, which reflects the vision of our company and this product,” said Dean Drako, CEO of Brivo.
