11-20-19 Third Phase of Public Safety Camera Installations

CPD used community input, three years of compiled statistical crime data, qualitative intelligence, officer experience, and vendor consultation to determine placement of the eight new public safety cameras. The CPD Crime Analysis Unit conducted analysis of crime that’s inflicted the most social harm throughout the city narrowed down to the densest locations by block numbers. These locations were then provided to the CPD Neighborhood Policing Bureau to provide input based on their observations and experiences throughout their shifts. Next, the locations were presented to community members for input to determine exactly where the cameras were placed. This is the same criteria used to determine the locations of the initial 15 public safety cameras installed in June, 2017 and the 14 cameras installed in November, 2018.

The video from the network of public safety cameras feeds into the Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC). The RTIC is a centralized intelligence, technology, analysis and investigative center housed at the Police Service Center. This video evidence is used by investigators to build their cases and hold offenders accountable.Since January 1, 2019, the Chattanooga Police Department RTIC Investigators have either monitored, followed up on, or investigated 1,534 incidents. Video was usable as evidence in 69 percent of violent crime incidents.

Each public safety camera is housed in a 2-foot-tall, white metal box clearly and obviously marked with the CPD badge and a blue flashing light on top. The boxes are mounted on EPB poles equipped with power and fiber optics. The cameras are adjustable, can be angled in different directions, and equipped with a zoom lens. They are also designed to be moved as crime trends and needs change.

###