Kastle Systems, Washington, DC’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and prominent Washington area real estate firms launched Capital Shield, a partnership that allows MPD direct access to an interconnected network of private security cameras, floor plans, and other critical information in business locations across the city.

Enabling MPD with direct access to a large new pool of video cameras and building information in times of crisis allows first responders to quickly gain the situational awareness required for responding to serious threats.

The launch of Capital Shield is a culmination of nearly three years of collaboration between Kastle Systems and MPD who share the goal of creating a safe and more secure Nation’s Capital.

To catalyze the initiative, Kastle is donating 1,000 new security cameras to any real estate owner in the city that wants to participate in the program.

Douglas Development, Vornado Realty Trust, PN Hoffman, First Potomac Realty Trust, The Tower Companies, and Tishman Speyer are the inaugural participants in the Capital Shield program partnering in 60 locations to start.

Kastle is the founding partner of Capital Shield having deployed select test sites already with an additional 300 cameras expected to come online in the first phase.

"Through this innovative public-private partnership, Capital Shield will significantly increase the public safety of our Nation’s Capital. There are thousands of existing cameras that should be made accessible to our police in times of need and this program will add thousands more over time,” said Kastle Systems owner and DC area native Mark Ein. “The role of video security has never been more important or more evident in cities across the country. Modern video technology saves lives, catches criminals, deters crime, and accomplishes something that we all value — a safer city. Kastle is proud of the role we are playing to help DC.”