KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A digital network that can connect the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety to private video security systems that was initially planned for the downtown is now being made available city wide.
It is being called “Connect Kalamazoo.”
Chief Dave Boysen says if a crime occurs, this will make it possible for KDPS to know if there might be video available, and perhaps even tap into a business’s system, with their permission, and quickly pull off any relevant video. He says right now they have to send out detectives to try and track down video.
The city is offering two options. The first is a no-cost video registry that will let detectives know you have a video system. Homeowners with Ring and other systems, as well as businesses are encouraged to sign up.
Detectives can then call registered camera owners and obtain video online.
The second option is for businesses and other large operations to purchase a Fusus core device that will give KDPS capacity to tap directly into the system, but only with the permission of the owner. Boysen says it will permit them to track down criminals in real time.
Costs range from $350 to $1900 for the hardware with an annual subscription, for that extra layer of security.
The system drew criticism from some who feared it might be used for surveillance or facial recognition, but Boysen says neither of those are possible with this system.
For more information is on the website connectkalamazoo.org.
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