Last Monday, Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell, along with Mayor Bob Foster, unveiled the Long Beach Common Operating Picture (LBCOP) to praise and criticism alike.
But the advanced system—which links 400 cameras to produce real-time video feeds that the LBPD can remotely access from their communication center—is less “Big Brother” (as LAist has called it) and more about pooling community resources in order to fight crime as it happens.
Here’s how it works: Once a private owner has signed onto the program, the LBPD is given that location’s internet protocol which permits officers to access the feed whenever needed. In the event of a security concern, LBCOP can connect both publicly-owned cameras (like those in parks, beaches and business corridors) as well as privately owned ones already located in businesses throughout the city to create a network of live or archived video feeds to be viewed from a monitoring station where operators can relay information to officers tracking suspects and criminals in the field.
Though the announcement of LBCOP was quickly criticized by community members over concerns for privacy, Chief McDonnell’s initial statement emphasized that the cameras will not be used to monitor anything unless security concerns are presented.
The Department, both at its press conference and through its communication with media sources, has emphasized this, saying that these cameras are only located in public places such as local businesses and that these privately owned cameras have only been accessed with explicit permission.
“[The Department] cannot just unilaterally review those cameras,” says Sgt. Aaron Eaton with the LBPD. “It would only be used if it would assist officers in apprehending a criminal or suspect…The Department is extremely sensitive to the rights of the Constitution and protecting the public’s right.”
The $568,000 project—funded mainly through state and federal grants, with a small portion coming from the general fund—is a collaboration between the City’s Technology and Services Division and LBPD. Released at a time when the department faces even more budget cuts, the program offers one alternative to such problems.
The system began two years ago with test runs of the LBPD accessing public cameras—such as those along Pine Avenue and in particular parks. It was eventually extended into the private sector and local businesses were sought to participate by allowing access to their camera’s feeds.
“If I can help support a business or neighbor who fell victim to a crime, I am happy to do so,” said Michelle Paris, owner of
Community Camera Partnership participating business 4th Street Postal, who was introduced to the program at a 4th Street Business Association meeting.
The small shop has been participating in the project since February when Paris simply contacted the LBPD expressing her interest and an officer came out. 4th Street Postal’s cameras were integrated into the system within minutes.
“The support is needed,” she said, noting that her place has been graffitied before. “If someone nabs Eddie’s [the market next door], they can use my camera to possibly help catch them.”
The program has already had major successes before it became fully operational last week. This past June, two children and a mentally disabled adult went missing, prompting a city-wide search for the three persons.
“We were able to scan through recorded video [via LBCOP] which ultimately helped focus the investigation and lead us in the right direction,” Eaton said.
For businesses interested in participating in the LBCOP program, contact Officer Eduardo Reyes of the Institution Technology Unit at 562-570-5870.