Duluth Now Has Iron Sky 'Eyes' in the Sky
Iron Sky camera surveillance system goes live in Duluth to help police protect citizens, catch criminals.
Don’t even think about doing anything bad in Duluth! The city's Iron Sky system just went live. Eleven high-definition pan-tilt-zoom surveillance cameras along Buford Highway, Downtown Duluth and Bunten Road Park will give Duluth police officers extra eyes to protect residents and catch criminals.
Cameras will also monitor the Duluth Town Green and Public Works Department.
The Iron Sky system records footage that police can access from computers located at Duluth Police Department headquarters and laptops in patrol cars. Duluth’s system also incorporates computer-aided dispatch (CAD) data that maps patrol cars, crime and traffic incidents and camera footage on one easy-to-use interface.
“Over the years, we have introduced several programs to keep our residents safe,” said Duluth Police Chief Randy Belcher in an announcement about implementation of the system. “This surveillance system adds another important crime-fighting tool.”
Iron Sky is already used in College Park, Conyers, Decatur, Hapeville, Lilburn, Midtown, Norcross, Sandy Springs, Valdosta, and the Historic Westside Village. Each system is customized to meet the needs of the community. The Iron Sky system was recently credited with helping Norcross Police arrest a man accused of armed robbery at approximately 15 stores in the area.
“We have formed a great partnership with the City of Duluth Police Department, and the future of this program is very bright,” said Iron Sky Georgia General Manager Bob Carter in the announcement. “Our next step is to apply advanced video analytics to address specific issues in the area.”
The Iron Sky system incorporates existing cameras at Duluth City Hall and the Duluth Public Safety Center.
Dusty Graham
1:49 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Does the system allow viewing into private property or residences? Who monitors what is watched and who is watching? This puts us on a slippery slope in regards to privacy and personal liberties. How much do we sacrifice for "safety"?
Lulu Jordan
8:28 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
There is no private residence viewing; more concern on public areas, businesses, & street intersections. Stationary cameras with approved areas are being viewed. Public safety personnel will be monitoring the areas. Completely for public safety security.
Mike Braddock
3:34 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012
I would prefer if the businesses set their own up and then shared with the police after or alternatively if there was a panic button under the camera or something