To confront the persistent issue of crime in public parks, Atlanta has undertaken a significant investment in surveillance technology, incorporating Hanwha Vision cameras to enhance security. The move represents a strategic effort by the city to improve public safety through advanced video monitoring systems.
“Our primary focus is always on addressing high-crime areas to better protect citizens using our facilities,” remarked Anthony Jones, Director of Public Safety at the City of Atlanta's Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR). “To achieve this, our internal security team collaborates closely with the Atlanta Police Department.”
Public safety concerns
Overseeing a vast network of parks and recreational facilities, the DPR began rolling out security upgrades in 2021, prompted by increasing concerns over public safety. Partnering with NetPlanner Systems, a dedicated technology integrator, the department identified 20 high-crime locations based on an Atlanta Police Department study, marking the first phase of their security enhancements.
The department identified 20 high-crime locations based on an Atlanta Police Department study
According to Randy Major, Senior Security Engineer at NetPlanner, “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 maximise coverage.” These measures ensure that the surveillance infrastructure offers the utmost value.
Innovative infrastructure solutions
The initiative also leveraged existing local infrastructure and innovative solutions, including solar support, to address various challenges. In areas lacking traditional power sources, a solar-powered setup ensures uninterrupted operation of surveillance systems, reflecting the City’s commitment to maintaining robust public safety measures even in infrastructure-limited zones.
The transition to Hanwha Vision cameras was necessitated by supply chain difficulties experienced with a previous provider. Hanwha effectively met critical deadlines, providing dependable performance and timely parts delivery. A notable incident involved the rapid overnight shipment of power supplies for a major park to keep the project on track.
Enhanced incident response
Presently, more than 400 Hanwha Vision cameras are operational within DPR locations
Presently, more than 400 Hanwha Vision cameras are operational within DPR locations. The setup prominently uses the PNM-C34404RQPZ model, which combines a quad-sensor module featuring 4K (8 MP) resolution with a 2 MP PTZ unit. These cameras integrate seamlessly with Atlanta PD’s 911 dispatch and the Fusus real-time crime center platform, enhancing video quality and coverage to expedite law enforcement investigations and incident response.
“The cameras’ pinpoint accuracy and visual clarity help us to quickly retrieve footage, conduct research, and assist in investigations,” highlighted Jones, underscoring the confidence residents feel knowing their parks are safeguarded by a comprehensive surveillance system.
Future expansion plans
The utility of the new surveillance system was demonstrated recently at Coan Park, where captured footage contributed to swift arrests following an incident. Building on such successes, the City plans to extend the use of these technologies, incorporating further cameras and exploring AI-driven features for broader coverage in high-crime regions, based on ongoing security assessments by DPR teams and NetPlanner engineers.
The Atlanta DPR security upgrade exemplifies an effective public safety strategy, illustrating the enduring advantages of collaboration between law enforcement and city management. As the system expands, it promises to provide improved video quality, effective coverage, and bolster public confidence significantly.
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 maximise 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.
