Hinds County has launched the pioneering Safety Camera Initiative, marking it as the first county in the United States to introduce a comprehensive public safety technology project using 911 Camera Sharing.
Announced at a press conference held at the Hinds County Emergency Operations Center, the initiative is a collaborative effort involving government bodies, educational institutions, churches, businesses, and community organisations to enhance public safety.
Delivering measurable outcomes
The initiative equips security cameras across Hinds County with 911 Camera Sharing technology, allowing 911 dispatchers to immediately access footage from designated cameras near emergency sites. This real-time capability enhances dispatchers' situational awareness, enabling improved guidance for first responders. The system has already proven effective in deterring illegal dumping and aiding criminal investigations.
"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," stated Robert Graham, President of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors.
Accelerating emergency response
The system ensures privacy and security by restricting video access to trained 911 professionals
During its initial rollout, the initiative saw the installation of 72 Brivo Eagle Eye solar-powered security camera cabinets, integrated with 911 Camera Sharing, throughout Hinds County.
These include strategic locations in Jackson, the town of Terry, several neighbourhood HOAs, a church, and areas surrounding Jackson State University and Jackson Public Schools. The program aims to improve crime prevention, officer and student safety, emergency response time, and neighborhood quality of life by reducing illegal activities and fostering community pride.
Safety camera system
The system ensures privacy and security by restricting video access to trained 911 professionals during certified emergencies only.
The footage is not publicly viewable and is not continuously monitored, while dispatchers cannot alter system settings or download video content. Installed by Wilson Technology, Inc., based in Jackson, Mississippi, the safety camera system is expandable, allowing any business, school, or place of worship to join the program with existing cameras, enhancing the 911 Camera Sharing network's breadth and effectiveness.
Modern public safety
Fredrick Wilson, CEO of Wilson Technology Inc., emphasised the community's safety as a driving force: "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."
Dean Drako, CEO of Brivo, noted, "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."
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 neighbourhood organisations 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 neighbourhood cleanliness; amplifying neighbourhood 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 authorised 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. Organisations do not need to purchase new cameras to join the program. The more cameras and organisations 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.
