Amid growing concerns over crime in public parks, the City of Atlanta has implemented an extensive surveillance upgrade using Hanwha Vision cameras. This initiative is part of a large-scale, multi-year effort aimed at increasing safety across the city's park facilities.
“Our primary focus is always on addressing high-crime areas to better protect citizens using our facilities,” explained Anthony Jones, Director of Public Safety at the Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR), City of Atlanta. “To achieve this, our internal security team collaborates closely with the Atlanta Police Department.”
Addressing Public Safety Concerns
The Department of Parks & Recreation is responsible for all parks, recreation centers, and facilities throughout Atlanta. In response to heightened public safety concerns, the department initiated the first phase of security upgrades in 2021. This process involved selecting 20 key sites with high crime rates, as identified in collaboration with the Atlanta Police Department. NetPlanner Systems, a technology integration firm, assisted in the selection and implementation processes.
NetPlanner Systems, a technology integration firm, assisted in the selection and implementation processes
“In recreation centers, surveillance typically includes dual-dome or single-dome cameras installed at entry points and gymnasiums, while in outdoor spaces we strategically select locations to maximize coverage,” commented Randy Major, Senior Security Engineer at NetPlanner. “We also evaluate when a dual-sensor camera is sufficient or when a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera is justified, ensuring that any infrastructure investment delivers the most value.”
Utilizing Local Infrastructure and Innovative Solutions
NetPlanner deployed innovative solutions, such as solar-powered setups and use of existing infrastructure, to tackle the challenges associated with this project. This approach is crucial in areas where traditional power sources are not available, showcasing the city's commitment to comprehensive public safety coverage.
Switching to Hanwha Vision cameras proved beneficial after the city's previous supplier faced supply chain issues. Hanwha's capability to meet timelines and provide reliable support and quality ensured the project stayed on track. For instance, when power supplies were missing for a major park, Hanwha expedited 20 units overnight to ensure continuity.
Enhancing Incident Response Times
Currently, over 400 Hanwha Vision cameras are installed at various DPR locations
Currently, over 400 Hanwha Vision cameras are installed at various DPR locations, including models with a quad-sensor (4-channel) module in 4K resolution and a 2 MP PTZ unit. These cameras are integrated with the Atlanta Police Department's 911 dispatch system and the Fusus real-time crime center platform, enhancing video quality and coverage for better incident identification and documentation.
“The cameras’ pinpoint accuracy and visual clarity help us to quickly retrieve footage, conduct research, and assist in investigations,” said Jones. “This capability provides residents with peace of mind, knowing that their parks are covered by a comprehensive surveillance system.”
Blueprint for Future Initiatives
The effectiveness of these cameras was demonstrated during a recent incident at Atlanta’s Coan Park, where the footage enabled timely arrests following a crime. Moving forward, the city plans to expand its surveillance system based on ongoing security assessments by DPR and NetPlanner engineers. This may include additional cameras for broader coverage and exploring more AI-driven features.
This comprehensive approach sets a model for public safety initiatives in other metropolitan areas, highlighting the advantages of collaboration between law enforcement and city management. Enhanced security measures promise improved coverage, better video quality, and greater confidence among residents.
Atlanta faces crime challenges in its public parks, just like any major U.S. city. However, unlike most, it has tackled the issue head-on with a large-scale, multi-year investment in new surveillance cameras powered by Hanwha Vision technology.
“Our primary focus is always on addressing high-crime areas to better protect citizens using our facilities,” said Anthony Jones, Director of Public Safety, Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR), City of Atlanta. “To achieve this, our internal security team collaborates closely with the Atlanta Police Department.”
Public safety concerns
DPR oversees all public parks, recreation centers, facilities, trails, and programs across Atlanta. In 2021, the department began prioritising locations for the first phase of security upgrades, in response to growing public safety concerns. DPR worked with NetPlanner Systems, a leading technology integrator, to select 20 sites with the highest frequency of major crimes based on a police department study.
“In recreation centers, surveillance typically includes dual-dome or single-dome cameras installed at entry points and gymnasiums, while in outdoor spaces we strategically select locations to maximize coverage,” said Randy Major, Senior Security Engineer at NetPlanner. “We also evaluate when a dual-sensor camera is sufficient or when a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera is justified, ensuring that any infrastructure investment delivers the most value.”
Existing local infrastructure
To address various project challenges, NetPlanner introduced creative solutions including the use of solar support and existing local infrastructure. In parks where traditional power sources are unavailable, NetPlanner deployed a unique solar-powered setup that ensures continuous operation of surveillance systems. This approach reflects the City’s commitment to maintaining comprehensive public safety coverage, even in areas with limited infrastructure.
The City transitioned to Hanwha Vision cameras after the previous supplier experienced supply chain issues. Hanwha was able to meet key timelines, especially the frequent need for overnighting parts, and has since provided reliable performance, support, and quality. When power supplies were missing from a shipment for a major park, 20 units were overnighted to keep the project on schedule.
Incident response times
To date, more than 400 Hanwha Vision cameras are installed throughout DPR locations, mainly the PNM-C34404RQPZ, featuring a quad-sensor (4-channel) module in 4K (8 MP) resolution, combined with a 2 MP PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) unit.
The Hanwha Vision cameras integrate with Atlanta PD’s 911 dispatch and Fusus real-time crime center (RTCC) command center platform. The new cameras’ improved video quality and comprehensive coverage allow for precise identification and incident documentation, speeding law enforcement investigations and reducing incident response times.
Comprehensive surveillance system
“The cameras’ pinpoint accuracy and visual clarity help us to quickly retrieve footage, conduct research, and assist in investigations,” said Jones. “This capability provides residents with peace of mind, knowing that their parks are covered by a comprehensive surveillance system."
The new surveillance cameras’ effectiveness was successfully tested following a recent incident at Atlanta’s Coan Park. Incident footage was recorded and turned over to Atlanta PD, leading to timely arrests.
Improved public confidence
The City will expand its system based on ongoing security assessments by DPR teams and NetPlanner security engineers to determine the best technology to deploy, adding cameras for wider coverage in high-crime areas and exploring the use of more AI-driven features.
The Atlanta DPR surveillance upgrade is a blueprint for major metropolitan public safety initiatives, effectively demonstrating the long-term benefits of collaboration between law enforcement and city management. The department is confident its new security capabilities will grow with their needs, delivering higher video quality, effective coverage, and improved public confidence.
