The Hartford Police Department's Capital City Command Center (C4), an advanced Real-Time Crime Center focused on enhancing case solvability through real-time investigations, will expand its collaboration with Axis Communications.
The expansion plan involves installing cameras at 50 additional intersections, significantly broadening surveillance coverage across crucial city areas. This effort aims to bolster the center's capacity for converting video data into actionable intelligence in real time.
Increasing Citywide Investigative Capabilities
Since 2015, with assistance from Axis Communications, the Hartford Police Department (HPD) has installed approximately 1,300 cameras, which have played a vital role in improving situational awareness and bolstering investigative operations throughout the city.
"We deploy cameras based on the unique needs of our many different communities," stated Sgt. Chris Mastroianni, head of the Capital City Command Center.
He noted the importance of Axis Communications in effectively integrating new solutions with the city's existing infrastructure, which enhances the department's adaptability to modern law enforcement challenges.
Addressing Community Challenges and Enhancing Safety
The newly deployed cameras will strengthen HPD’s ability to tackle various public safety issues
The newly deployed cameras will strengthen HPD’s ability to tackle various public safety issues, from illegal dumping to gun violence, contributing to overall improved safety and quality of life.
In the first half of 2025, surveillance technology equipped with license plate recognition was instrumental in investigating illegal dumping incidents, leading to reduced cleanup costs and restitution savings.
The city recorded its lowest gunshot victim numbers in over 25 years in 2024, underscoring the cameras' vital role in decreasing gun violence, while augmenting the department's ability to transform digital intelligence into practical safety practices.
Comprehensive Security Network Deployment
The new installation will integrate pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) cameras, fixed and panoramic sensors, alongside network horn speakers and strobes, with an enhanced focus on license plate recognition capabilities. This comprehensive security apparatus enables features such as:
- Video Analytics: Monitors trained at the C4 utilize video analytics for real-time surveillance, aiding in faster response times and improved forensics by issuing alerts when specific vehicles are detected on camera.
- Audio Solutions: By incorporating network speakers and public address systems, HPD can remotely establish a visible and audible presence, deterring crime in areas like public parks after hours.
- Radar Technology: Radar sensors supplement visual surveillance by distinguishing between human and animal activities at city properties like public pools, enhancing situational awareness while reducing the need for on-site staff during off-hours.
These technological advancements have significantly impacted public safety, as demonstrated by a solvability rate for homicide cases now exceeding 70%. A recent study found that homicide investigations involving video evidence were substantially more solvable, highlighting the strategic value of the city's investment in surveillance technology.
Looking Ahead: Setting the Stage for Safer Cities
Dean Cunningham, Axis Communications' segment development manager for public safety, praised the HPD for setting a precedent in utilizing real-time crime centers to enhance public safety on a broad scale.
The ongoing camera deployment, expected to be completed by Spring 2026, reflects HPD's innovative approach, serving as a model for other police departments nationwide aiming to establish similar centers. As HPD continues to expand its video analytics capabilities, it demonstrates a commitment to cultivating safer, smarter urban environments.
The Hartford Police Department’s Capital City Command Center (C4), a state-of-the-art Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) focused on real-time investigations and enhancing case solvability, announced a continuation of its partnership with Axis Communications.
The Hartford Police Department (HPD) plans to deploy cameras at 50 additional intersections, which will expand surveillance coverage across key areas of the city and further enhance the center’s ability to quickly synthesize video data in actionable, real-time intelligence.
Like many police departments across the United States, HPD is continuously adapting to evolving public safety demands. The C4 acts as a force multiplier, bringing advanced public safety technologies under one roof to help officers work more efficiently and effectively across a city of 125,000.
Accelerating investigative efforts citywide
With support from Axis Communications, the department has deployed nearly 1,300 cameras since 2015, enhancing situational awareness and accelerating investigative efforts citywide.
“We deploy cameras based on the unique needs of our many different communities,” said Sgt. Chris Mastroianni, a supervisor in the Hartford Police Department’s intelligence division and head of the Capital City Command Center.
“Axis is committed to understanding and addressing the challenges we face, such as integrating effectively with existing infrastructure across our city. We’re pleased to work with an organization committed to building innovative solutions that meet the specific needs of modern law enforcement agencies, which is at the core of our partnership’s success.”
Expanding the ability to address challenges
With these new cameras, HPD will expand its ability to address challenges ranging from illegal dumping of trash and debris to gun violence, leading to improved safety and quality of life citywide.
In the first half of 2025, HPD leveraged surveillance cameras equipped with license plate recognition (LPR) technology to investigate instances of illegal dumping, generating significant savings through both restitution and reduced cleanup costs.
The technology has also played a critical role in reducing gun violence in Hartford: in 2024, the city experienced its lowest number of gunshot victims in over 25 years. The expanded camera network further strengthens the department’s ability to turn digital intelligence into real-world safety outcomes.
Comprehensive security network
The new deployment will include pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) cameras, fixed and panoramic sensors, and network horn speakers and strobes, as well as an expansion of LPR capabilities. Together, these technologies will form a comprehensive security network that enables:
- Video Analytics: With trained officers monitoring the C4, HPD leverages video analytics for real-time surveillance and enhanced forensics. For example, the system can automatically issue alerts when specific vehicles appear on camera, enhancing situational awareness and response times.
- Audio Solutions: Complementing cameras and other sensors, the department uses network speakers, public address (PA) systems, and strobes to project a visible and audible police presence remotely. In areas such as public parks after dark, this combination helps deter crime by signaling active law enforcement monitoring.
- Radar Technology: Radar sensors supplement cameras at city-owned locations such as public pools and impound lots, distinguishing between human activity and wildlife. This allows HPD to maintain situational awareness and reduce onsite staffing needs during off-hours.
These advanced tools contribute to measurable improvements in public safety—including a homicide case solvability rate now exceeding 70%.
Based on a recent peer-reviewed study on firearm assaults in the city, “Creating Solvability with Real-Time Crime Centers (RTCCs): Impacts on Homicide and Shooting Investigations” (Barao and Mastroianni, 2024), cases with video evidence were 442% more likely to be solved than those without, indicating a significant return on investment for the city’s camera deployments.
Improving public safety at scale
“The Hartford Police Department is redefining what’s possible with real-time crime centers, setting a model for how cities can use integrated technology to improve public safety at scale,” said Dean Cunningham, segment development manager, public safety at Axis Communications.
“We’re proud to support HPD with advanced solutions that not only enhance real-time response but also strengthen post-incident investigations. This expanded deployment reflects the department’s forward-thinking approach and our shared commitment to building safer, smarter cities.”
The new camera deployments are underway and expected to be completed by Spring 2026. Looking ahead, the Hartford Police Department plans to continue to implement video analytics as a key differentiator for its real-time crime center. As more police departments across the U.S. contemplate building similar crime centers, HPD is setting a strong example for them to follow.
