Redwood City is looking into ways it can improve and expand upon the security camera systems that monitor city properties.
Currently, 31 IP cameras throughout the city are connected to the Avigilon video management system (VMS) located at the Redwood City Police Department, according to city documents. The city is considering expansion of coverage to include additional locations such as Court House Square, Redwood City Main Library, Magical Bridge Park, Jefferson parking garage and Marshall St. parking garage.
While considering expanding, might as well consider whether to improve the city’s camera security system as a whole.
“Currently, multiple City departments utilize a variety of hardware and software vendors to provide and maintain security cameras,” according to a report prepared by Redwood City Police Capt. John Gunderson and approved by Police Chief Dan Mulholland and City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz. “Due to the significant differences in the capability of, and access to, each camera system, monitoring of all City cameras at a single location is not possible. This design is inefficient and the associated limitations cause significant investigatory delays for the Police Department when crimes against City property, or crimes against persons located on City property, occur.”
At Monday’s council meeting, a professional services contract was approved with True North Consulting Group for up to $61,545. Truth North’s task will be to “assess and develop a master plan for recommendations on software solutions and security camera specifications for existing and future security camera expansion throughout the City.”
