Hartford Witnesses Decrease in Firearm Crimes Following Installation of Integrated Surveillance Technology
The City of Hartford, Connecticut, has seen a significant reduction in gun violence and an increase in case solvability, thanks to a comprehensive approach that combines advanced video technologies, real-time data analytics, and coordinated policing strategies.
Key Technologies
At the heart of Hartford's Capital City Command Center (C4) is Milestone XProtect® Video Management Software (VMS), an open-platform system that serves as the backbone for the centre. This versatile software enables seamless integration of multiple data sources and technologies, including gunshot detection systems, license plate recognition, and video analytics [1][2].
Core Strategies
Hartford's strategy is built on an open platform approach, allowing for the integration of diverse technologies and continuous adoption of new tools as they become available. This flexibility ensures that the system remains adaptable to evolving challenges [1][2].
Real-time information sharing is another key strategy. Police and command center staff receive live video and data feeds, enabling rapid situational awareness and coordinated responses across units. Rapid information analysis is also crucial, with officers and analysts using real-time data analysis to quickly generate leads, cross-reference evidence, and support investigations, significantly improving case solvability rates [1][2].
Community-focused crime-fighting is another important aspect of Hartford's approach, with the system being leveraged not just for reactive policing but also for proactive deployment and public safety initiatives.
Impact
The implementation of these technologies and strategies has enabled the Hartford Police Department to integrate digital evidence more effectively, streamline investigations, and respond to incidents with greater precision. According to Sergeant Chris Mastroianni, the supervisor of the C4 real-time crime center, the open platform’s flexibility and the focus on rapid information sharing and analysis have been crucial to Hartford’s success in reducing gun violence and increasing investigative outcomes [1][2].
By combining real-time video integration, gunshot detection, license plate recognition, and video analytics within an open, adaptable framework, Hartford has set a new standard for data-driven, technology-enhanced policing in urban environments [1][2].
A study conducted in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania revealed that cases with relevant video were more than four times more likely to be solved than those without. This deployment of these technologies has led to a 442% increase in the solvability of firearm assault cases that included video evidence [1][2].
A hybrid storage strategy ensures that the city can retain essential video evidence for up to 10 years, with weekly audits conducted to ensure system integrity and performance. C4 also integrates tools such as SoundThinking's gunshot detection system, live video feeds, and Slack-based real-time communication channels [1][2].
Milestone's XProtect VMS enables integration with third-party technologies from companies like Axis Communications and BriefCam, further enhancing the system's capabilities.
As more cities explore integrated crime-fighting technologies, Hartford's model shows the potential impact of open systems on these efforts.
[1] Milestone Systems. (2021). Hartford Police Department Case Study. Retrieved from https://www.milestonesys.com/resources/case-studies/hartford-police-department-case-study/
[2] City of Hartford. (2021). Capital City Command Center (C4). Retrieved from https://www.hartford.gov/hartford-police/capital-city-command-center-c4
Technology, like Milestone XProtect® Video Management Software, plays a pivotal role in Hartford's crime-fighting strategies by integrating various data sources, such as gunshot detection systems and license plate recognition, for enhanced investigations. The city's general-news story also highlights the significant increase in case solvability due to technology, especially in firearm assault cases with video evidence.
