HomeMy WebLinkAboutPress Release - Mobile Surveilance
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Chris Beeth, Communications Intern
Phone 952-833-9522 • commintern@EdinaMN.gov • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Police Department Purchases Mobile Camera System
Edina, Minn., July 21, 2015 – The Edina Police Department is using a donation of $47,150 from the Edina
Crime Prevention Fund to purchase a mobile camera system. The Mobile Pro Defender Camera System will
be implemented by the Department to deter crime through remote monitoring of areas where utility and
communication services are limited or non-existent.
“The Edina Crime Prevention Fund is made up of residents and groups within the city that take steps to
prevent crime through funding tools and resources for items that are not in the budget for the Police
Department,” said Edina Crime Prevention Fund President Jon Barnett. “We asked ‘what does [the
Department] need, and how can [the Fund] help?’ They brought us the budget and pitch for the new mobile
camera system.”
This has been a tool desired by the Department because of its versatility and ability to address crime with
new, more effective technological means. The system has the ability to sync or collaborate with other pieces
of tech, improving the effectiveness and reach of monitoring. The system’s mobility also allows use at special
events such as the Edina Art Fair, 4th of July parade and Fall into the Arts Festival.
“It’s a mobile data collection platform that can be outfitted with cameras, audio, speed-monitoring devices,
license plate readers and more,” said Lt. Timothy Olson. “[The Department] plans to use this tool where
crime has been documented or is a concern, as well as at special events. It has the ability to stream audio and
video remotely, so we can monitor events from squad cars or in the dispatch center.”
The camera system is being built in Minnesota and should be delivered sometime within the next month.
Other programs supported by the Edina Crime Prevention Fund include Neighbors’ Home Watch, Bike
Patrol, Junior Police and the K-9 program. Funding is also given to support the Department’s Crime
Prevention Specialist position.
For more information, contact Olson at 952-826-0490.
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