The Community Safety Camera Network offers a partnership with the community around sharing exterior video as we work to address crime. It helps provide critical information to responding officers and can help de-escalate and support the initial police response. For example, officers responding to a robbery could have a detailed description of the suspect and direction of flight obtained from the partnering business’ video. This improves accuracy and reduces the likelihood of misidentification. Additionally, it drastically reduces the time investigators spend attempting to obtain video related to crimes, thereby allowing victims enhanced support.
The community partner owns the video and controls all aspects of the relationship - video retention, access what cameras can be accessed, and when. The community has options when partnering with this program:
- Simply register your cameras. Registered cameras let the MNPD know who to contact to request video but does not allow the MNPD access to the video feed.
- Share your video feed. The user controls all elements of participation as they share, including setting boundaries and having the ability to track all activity.
The Community Safety Camera Network allows us to respond to incidents faster, provides officers with accurate and timely information, allows for more efficient collaboration to assist victims, and increases our ability to solve crimes and reduce victimization.
If you would like provide feedback on the Community Safety Camera Network, please email [email protected].
Join the Community Safety Camera Network
Community Safety Camera Network Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Community Safety Camera Network help MNPD solve crime?
The network, through our vendor, FUSUS, allows the police department to review footage related to the investigation of crimes and missing persons in hopes that critical information was captured on camera. The voluntary camera registry allows detectives to ask camera owners (donors) to check their footage for potential specific evidence, thus streamlining the investigative process.
Sharing
Does the camera network replace my existing video management system (VMS)?
No. Technology from our vendor, FUSUS, works in tandem with video management systems.
If I choose to share my camera feed, how long is the video accessible by the MNPD?
Video retention is up to the donor by and the agreement between the donor and FUSUS.
What information is available to the MNPD in the FUSUS system?
The MNPD has a map which displays donor cameras, MNPD cameras, police calls for service and officer locations.
Will the MNPD have a real-time streaming option?
Yes, camera owners can choose how and when their cameras are accessible by the police department, and whether to provide live access.
Can my cameras be accessed without my knowledge?
No, FUSUS creates an access audit log for both the donor and the police department.
Will facial recognition technology be used?
No, FUSUS does not use facial recognition technology or integrate with any systems that do.
Is FUSUS secure?
Yes. Not to be overly technical, but the data is secured with AES 256-bit encryption. All data is encrypted at rest, in transit, and in its cloud-hosted location. Access to databases is restricted by explicit networking rules. All FUSUS employees involved in criminal justice-related software development undergo an extensive screening process, including background checks and fingerprinting.
How is FUSUS different from other camera networking companies?
FUSUS is the only company with technology that allows partnering with private businesses while also integrating police technology onto a single-screen display. FUSUS is also able to combine both public and private video.
Does this program invade personal privacy?
No, participating cameras may not be aimed at private property, or located in places where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Who controls the video?
The donor controls the video.
Who controls the cameras?
The donor controls the cameras, where they are directed, and any pattern of movement. The MNPD will only access them if there is a public safety need related to a criminal investigation or missing person case.
Registry
What is camera registry and how does it work?
The camera registry allows an individual and/or group to partner with MNPD without granting MNPD access to their cameras. Camera registry is plotted on a map where MNPD can determine who to contact when public safety incident occurs.
How much does it cost to register my cameras?
Registering a camera does not require any cost or additional hardware.
Can the MNPD remotely access my registered cameras?
No, registering cameras allows the police department to know where your cameras are in the event of a public safety incident. There is no direct access to any privately-owned cameras and the registry is only used to request footage of an incident were to occur in your immediate area.
Who has access to the camera map?
Only authorized MNPD users have access to the camera registry map.
Can the police department registry integrate doorbell cameras?
No.
Can I unsubscribe from the camera registry, and change or delete my information?
Yes, by simply logging onto [email protected].
Can homeowners register cameras?
Yes, although the intent of the program at this stage is to reach out to businesses and commercial properties.
