Police Department Equipment

Wilkinsburg Police Department seeks to upgrade outdated officer body worn cameras and expand the current network of surveillance/traffic camera systems to provide coverage to the entire Borough. The proposed project entails the purchase of new body worn cameras that will integrate with recently purchased in-car cameras, new street surveillance cameras, new license plate reader cameras, mobile license plate reader cameras, a mobile cellular camera, and associated network infrastructure. The requested new equipment and technology upgrades will enhance the safety and security of local residents and visitors alike.

The current body camera system is at the end of its useful life, and the Department would like to upgrade to the latest technology on the market. The new units will feature state-of-the-art digital technology along with cloud-based storage. This camera system will allow officers the ability to have their camera activated by multiple triggers, including but not limited to drawing a firearm, drawing a taser, or utilizing a baton. The technology also has the ability to link multiple cameras together and connect to the recently upgraded in-car camera systems, allowing for more camera footage to be captured during critical incidents.

The Department also plans to expand its network of surveillance and traffic camera systems to eliminate areas of the community that currently lack coverage, including local schools. The current camera system only has the capability to cover the central business district and main throughways. Installation of a solid, fixed transmission within the Borough will ensure that each and every part of the community can be outfitted with surveillance systems that reach the public parks, streets, and parking lots. This expanded system will allow each resident the same level of camera coverage and security, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Additional benefits to the Department include the ability to operate without reoccurring fees from cellular and internet providers, faster transmission of video footage, and less lag when viewing livestream videos. Increased transmission time for data will afford the Department the opportunity to respond to incidents faster, increasing the possibility of apprehending suspects while they are still at the scene of a crime.