Blue Shield

Overview:

Blue shield is a public private partnership (PPP) formed between local business owners, and residents, in order to integrate their security systems into the Coral Springs Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). 

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1. How does a business become part of Blue Shield?

  1. The business enters into an agreement with CSPD to allow them to view their cameras in the event of an incident or crime that occurs.  An Memorandum of Understanding will be signed by each entity.

2. What kind of security system/cameras does a business need to have in order to integrate into the RTCC?

  1. Just about any security system that currently has I.P. cameras can be integrated into the RTCC.  We utilize Avigilon as the video management software for the police department.  Compatibility of current devices can be checked here.
  2. If a business does not currently have I.P. cameras, any vendor of their choice can be selected, and they can purchase their cameras from that company so long as the cameras are I.P.

3. How do the cameras integrate into the RTCC?

  1. Avigilon partners sell a device that can connect to your current IP cameras which will ultimately send the signal to the RTCC.
  2. If there are a large number of cameras, other solutions may be available.

4. Are there any recurring costs once a business integrates into the RTCC?

  1. No. Once the cameras and an edge recorder are purchased, there are no recurring costs.

5. What about privacy at my business?

  1. CSPD RTCC will not be viewing your cameras unless there is a call for service at that location.  For example:
    1. A disturbance during normal business hours.  The RTCC will pull up the cameras and be able to inform the responding officers in real time where the suspect/incident is occurring.
    2. An overnight alarm is activated, the RTCC could pull up the cameras in the RTCC and view the cameras in order to provide real time information to responding officers.
    3. A crime occurs in the area and a business camera may provide images of a suspect/suspect vehicle, etc.
    4. If a crime does occur on the property, and one of the business cameras records something of evidentiary value, a subpoena or signed release by a company representative would be required before it could be used as evidence.
    5. ANY time that the RTCC views the cameras at a business that has integrated with the RTCC, a business representative will be contacted and informed that their cameras were viewed and be given a reason as to why they were viewed.

6. Will the RTCC be monitoring businesses 24/7?

  1. No. The RTCC is not meant to replace a current alarm system or take over as an alarm monitoring system.  A business is encouraged to maintain their alarm and whatever their current procedure is if an alarm is activated outside of their normal business hours.

7. Why should a business allow RTCC access to their cameras?

  1. If a crime or call for service occurs at a business, having cameras integrated can have officers dispatched faster to the location and provides the opportunity for real time information to be given to responding officers.  This in turn gives officers an advantage when apprehending suspects.

Contact Information:
Captain Paul Kempinski
Phone: 954-346-1388
Email: pkempinski@coralsprings.gov

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