Mayor Kasim Reed announced that the City of Atlanta has invested more than $350,000 in technology enhancements to the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) platform at the Operation Shield Video Integration Center (VIC), funded through the Renew Atlanta infrastructure bond program. Currently, the VIC integrates approximately 7,500 publicly and privately owned cameras which significantly increase the Atlanta Police Department?s coverage and situational awareness of the city streets, using state-of-the-art analytical software.

?The new enhancements to the Loudermilk Video Integration Center mark a major step forward for the City of Atlanta, using data-driven technology to improve efficiency as well as to strengthen safety and security of Atlanta?s residents, visitors and businesses,? said Mayor Kasim Reed. ?The upgraded CCTV system and high-definition video wall at the VIC will improve situational awareness for the Atlanta Police Department and first responders during public events and enhance emergency preparedness efforts.?

The new technology enhancements enable the CCTV system to transmit video feeds from 128 different camera locations and share information with other City of Atlanta facilities, including the Joint Operation Center. As a result, the VIC will now provide surveillance that enhances emergency preparedness, enabling police, fire and emergency professionals to better evaluate a situation and connect and respond before arriving on the scene of an accident.

?We?re grateful for the funds from the Renew Atlanta Bond Program. The purchase of the new equipment demonstrates the City?s commitment to public safety by continuing to support and grow the Video Integration Center,? said APD Chief George Turner.

Because of the high resolution of the new video wall, images are brighter and clearer. The new technology is also energy efficient, reducing power and energy consumption.

?This investment to the Operation Shield Video Integration Center is another major step forward in making Atlanta not only safer, but smarter,? said Renew Atlanta General Manager Faye DiMassimo. ?By voting to pass the $250 Million Renew Atlanta infrastructure bond program in 2015, residents made their desire for better infrastructure clear, including improvements to our public safety infrastructure.?

?This investment in the Loudermilk Video Integration Center builds a more cutting edge, ?real-time? crime center that benefits both the Atlanta Police Department and citizens of Atlanta,? said Dave Wilkinson, President of the Atlanta Police Foundation.

The Atlanta Police Department launched the Video Integration Center as part of Operation Shield in 2007. The Video Integration Center was renamed the Loudermilk Video Integration Center following a $1,000,000 donation from the Loudermilk Family in 2012.