For years, ProTech has worked to keep homes and businesses safer. Now, with city surveillance cameras, we’re also keeping citizens safer as they stroll city streets and enjoy their local parks.
This is because the city of Canton is working with ProTech to install 10 security cameras at various intersections in the downtown area. This comes after city officials noticed a drop in calls to police after ProTech cameras were placed at several local parks.
The numbers from the parks were striking. After three years of increasing reports of criminal activity in Nimisilla Park, cameras were installed there in 2016. Calls due to activity in the park dropped to only 12 — a sharp decrease from the 43 calls received the year before. Other parks with cameras installed noticed similar results.
Canton’s experience reflects a broader national trend. Studies by the Urban Institute show that cities implementing comprehensive surveillance systems have seen significant crime reductions, with Baltimore reporting an average decrease of 30 incidents per month after installing downtown camera systems. Meanwhile, Chicago’s extensive camera network demonstrated that every dollar spent on video surveillance saved $4.30 in criminal justice and victim costs.
Canton is hardly the first city in the world to use street surveillance cameras to enhance the safety of its citizens. Some of the largest cities in the world are also home to the largest security camera networks. Beijing, London, Chicago, Houston, and New York top the list of big cities with camera lenses everywhere.
What’s the Magic Behind City Surveillance Cameras?
What makes a city surveillance camera system such an effective crime fighter? It’s great when security cameras catch a crime in action, but it’s even better when they stop a crime before it starts. That’s the power of street surveillance cameras — they act as an effective deterrent to would-be criminals.
From drug dealing to purse-snatching and assaults, criminals are more likely to engage in bad behavior when they think no one’s watching — and especially a security camera system that they know is monitored by police.
“Rather than catching somebody doing something inappropriate, we hope that it keeps them from doing it altogether,” Derek Gordon from Canton Parks and Recreation explained to CantonRep.com.
That’s why city surveillance cameras are placed in prominent locations and feature signs that draw attention to them. Law enforcement and security experts know that if criminals know they’re being watched, they’re less likely to commit a crime. Based on the drop in calls from Canton area parks, the numbers prove this to be true.
How Do City Surveillance Cameras Work?
People often have the misconception that street surveillance cameras only exist to provide video evidence to track down criminals after a crime has taken place. They don’t realize that the mere presence of cameras — whether it’s outside a home, inside a business, or on city streets, in parking lots, and in parks — can prevent crime before it happens.
If a crime does take place, however, today’s cameras are more than simple recording devices. Modern surveillance camera technology can allow dispatch personnel to view a crime in progress via a live feed. This helps police have accurate information about what’s unfolding before they even arrive. This enables them to better find and catch the suspect, as well as helping them keep citizens and themselves safe.
Advanced Street Surveillance Camera Features
- Real-time monitoring with immediate alerts to dispatch centers
- AI-powered analytics that can detect unusual behavior patterns
- High-definition recording provides clear evidence for investigations
- Integration with emergency response systems for faster police deployment
- Mobile monitoring capabilities allow officials to view feeds remotely
Another amazing aspect of today’s security camera technology? While each camera used to require an air card in order to connect to the internet, the new wave of cameras operates on a “point-to-point, point-to-multi-point” wireless system. In Canton, connectivity from the City’s secure network will be distributed throughout the camera system via a series of antennas.
Outdoor city surveillance cameras are made to last, and they’re able to withstand all manner of weather and temperatures. They’re encased in tough, waterproof boxes. Sweltering summertime heat is no problem, and neither are winter blizzards, as each camera has the ability to control itself environmentally.
The Proven Impact of Street Surveillance Cameras
National research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of properly deployed city surveillance cameras. Key findings include:
Crime Reduction Statistics
- City centers experience an average 7-30% decrease in crime after surveillance installation
- Parking lots show the most dramatic results, with up to 51% crime reduction
- Public transportation systems see 23% fewer incidents with camera coverage
- Areas with visible surveillance report up to 30% drops in vandalism and public disturbances
Cost-Effectiveness Benefits
- Cities save $4.30 for every $1 spent on video surveillance systems
- Camera installations reduce security costs by up to 60% compared to hiring personnel
- Insurance premiums may be reduced 5-20% for monitored areas
Types of City Surveillance Camera Applications
Downtown and Business Districts: Street surveillance cameras in commercial areas help protect shoppers, reduce theft, and monitor pedestrian traffic during peak hours.
Public Parks and Recreation Areas: Like Canton’s success story, cameras in parks deter vandalism, drug activity, and other criminal behavior while helping families feel safer.
Traffic Intersections: City surveillance cameras at key intersections not only monitor traffic violations but also provide crucial evidence for accident investigations and criminal incidents.
Public Transportation Hubs: Cameras at bus stops, train stations, and transit centers protect commuters and reduce crime in high-traffic areas.
Municipal Buildings and Facilities: Street surveillance cameras around government buildings, libraries, and public facilities enhance security for both employees and visitors.
Why Choose ProTech for Your City Surveillance Camera Solutions?
Whether it’s city surveillance cameras or indoor cameras to protect a residential or commercial property, it’s important to work with a company that takes a collaborative approach to install a custom video surveillance system. That’s why the city of Canton decided to go with ProTech Security, according to Patrick Barton, the city’s information technology director.
“The one thing that appealed to us with ProTech is they’ve actually provided similar camera systems to the city of Cleveland,” he said.
Rather than offering predetermined packages, ProTech works closely with city officials to understand specific needs and challenges. Our security integrator expertise means we assess each location individually, considering factors like:
- Traffic patterns and peak usage times
- Existing infrastructure and integration requirements
- Budget constraints and phased implementation options
- Maintenance and ongoing support needs
- Compliance with municipal regulations and privacy considerations
The city revealed that they had previously been unhappy with cameras leased from a different security provider. That program ended in less than a year amidst complaints about the quality of the technology, as well as the service.
Lt. John Gabbard of the Canton Police Department reported that ProTech’s cameras were “much sturdier” than the previous ones. ProTech also handles all updates and software maintenance for its camera systems, ensuring that everything is working correctly and up-to-date.
From residential security solutions to ones for commercial properties, ProTech is experienced at customizing security and surveillance options for areas of any size and clients of any kind. That’s why municipalities trust us to install surveillance camera systems in their streets and parks — helping to protect the safety of every man, woman, and child who lives, works, and plays there.
At ProTech Security, we have a strong history of experience, innovation, and customer service. The ProTech Security Advantage is more than 40 years of service in Northeast Ohio and Central Florida, with a strong commitment to providing quality, cost-effective protection for homes, businesses, educational institutions, and government facilities.
Ready to explore how city surveillance cameras can enhance safety in your community? Contact ProTech Security today to discuss your municipality’s unique security needs and discover why cities choose our collaborative approach to street surveillance camera solutions.
