By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

CALERA – The city of Calera announced that they have finished the installation of new security cameras in all of its major parks in an official press release on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 16.

In that announcement, the city cited recent statistics that show a rise in property crimes across the nation, especially in public and parks and recreation areas, as the primary cause for the new installations.

The cameras, which were put in place by the Calera IT Department and with collaboration from the Calera Police Department, were placed strategically throughout every park in the city and now provide clear and live coverage that will serve to safeguard not only the properties but the residents that use them.

“Our department has been transitioning our communication center into a Real Time Crime center to enhance our ability to prevent crime, solve crime and interrupt crimes in progress,” Calera Chief of Police David Hyche said. “The national trend has been to disband department dispatch centers but I believe that enhancing our internal capabilities and expanding the scope of our training is much more effective.”

Unlike older model cameras, the ones now in place provide real-time monitoring and constantly transmit live feeds directly to the CPD’s dispatch center. In that capacity, officers will also be able to view these feeds directly from their patrol and response vehicles through their in-car computers.

“This technological advancement ensures that our law enforcement is not only present on-site but also has a bird’s-eye view of the entire park network, enhancing their ability to respond swiftly and effectively,” read the release from the city.

What this means for the capabilities and reaction times to officers responding to incidents that occur on these properties is multi-faceted. Not only will CPD officers no longer have to wait for incidents to be reported, they will be able to react as the event unfolds. Strategically placed camera coverage will also allow for the quick identification of suspect vehicles and potentially the suspects themselves.

“Having the capability to monitor cameras, directly communicate with our citizens and officers and conduct real time analytics for our officers in the field is vital in today’s evolving high-tech world,” Hyche said. “These enhancements will further assure us that if anyone ever creates a list of the least hospitable US cities for criminals, Calera will be on it”