Council hears about police technology and storm response
The Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee met the week of May 1st and heard two presentations. Their first presentation was a police technology overview from Commander Matthew Greathouse of the Lexington Police Department.
Over half of the 75 newly acquired Flock cameras have been placed. The presentation claims a map of the cameras is on the LPD Transparency Page — as of writing this newsletter a map of specific locations is not uploaded, but it should be up by the time of the presentation on Tuesday.
The overview also discusses Fusus, the new technology integration platform proposed in the Mayor’s Budget. Fusus can integrate Flock cameras, and security cameras from residents and businesses who volunteer to have their footage used, to provide real-time updates on criminal activity and investigations.
LPD has created a Real-Time Intelligence Center to manage the software, and requested the creation of two Intelligence Police Analyst positions in the budget to manage the new program.
Update:
Commander Greathouse gave updates on the Flock License Plate Readers, about half of which have been set up. The locations of these LPRs are available to view online here.
Commander Greathouse also shared info on the new Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) within the LPD. The RTIC will use Fusus software to integrate footage from Flock cameras, traffic cameras, and security cameras from businesses and homes of residents who volunteer to have their cameras used, for criminal investigations. Security camera footage can come from both residents and businesses. The Fusus software costs $150k a year to operate. Two new Intelligence Analyst Officer positions will be created within LPD to operate the RTIC technology.
Some Councilmembers shared privacy and equity concerns, fearing that minority communities could be surveilled more than other communities, and the LPD could watch live footage of home cameras at any time they wished. Other Councilmembers defended the software, claiming that it only consolidates footage that already exists and therefore does not heighten surveillance capabilities. Commander Greathouse and Chief Weathers claimed that LPD would not watch live footage, and would only use footage to investigate crimes that have already been committed. No action was taken on this item.
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After the police technology overview, Commissioner of Public Safety Ken Armstrong reviewed the city’s preparation, mobilization, and response to the March 3rd wind storm that impacted much of the Lexington community.
Update:
Commissioner Armstrong highlighted the strengths of the response team and all the generous and hardworking LFUCG Staff and Lexington community members who aided in cleanup efforts.
Commissioner Armstrong stated the city has a need for more cleanup equipment and a better communication and mobilization plan for when power goes out for so long that traditional backup plans don’t work out. Councilmembers expressed both appreciation for their efforts as well as frustration over communication issues they heard about from their constituents.
You can view the presentations here. The Social Services & Public Safety Committee met on Tuesday, May 2nd at 1pm in Council Chambers. You can watch the recording on LexTV.
