Hinds County launches countywide public safety camera initiative

JACKSON, Miss.—Hinds County officials have launched what they describe as the first countywide public safety camera initiative in the United States, deploying smart camera technology integrated with Brivo’s Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing platform.

Announced June 5 at the Hinds County Emergency Operations Center, the initiative brings together local government, law enforcement, schools, businesses, houses of worship and neighborhood organizations in a coordinated public safety effort.

The program enables participating security cameras across the county to share live video with 911 dispatchers during active emergencies. Through the 911 Camera Sharing capability, dispatchers can instantly view footage from pre-designated cameras near an incident, providing real-time situational awareness to better inform responding officers.

Officials said the added visibility can help dispatchers assess conditions as events unfold and relay more accurate information to first responders.

“The program is specifically designed to use technology in a smart, cost-efficient way to deliver measurable outcomes for residents and safeguard our officers,” said Robert Graham, president of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors. “This is also a way to assist law enforcement with criminal investigations.”

The system has already been used in select areas to deter illegal dumping and support investigations, according to county officials.

In its initial phase, the initiative includes 72 solar-powered Brivo Eagle Eye security camera cabinets installed throughout Hinds County, including locations in Jackson and Terry, as well as at eight homeowners associations, a church, and areas surrounding Jackson State University and Jackson Public Schools.

Officials said the initiative is designed to enhance public safety outcomes in several areas, including crime deterrence, officer and student safety, emergency response and post-incident investigation. It also aims to address quality-of-life issues such as illegal dumping and neighborhood cleanliness.

Participation in the program is voluntary, and officials emphasized that the system includes privacy safeguards. Cameras are not continuously monitored or publicly accessible, and video can only be viewed by trained 911 personnel during verified emergencies involving authorized cameras. Dispatchers cannot access camera credentials, modify systems or download footage, the county said.

The system was designed and installed by Wilson Technology Inc., a Jackson, Miss.-based security integrator. The company said the program is designed to be scalable, allowing additional businesses, schools and community organizations to join regardless of their existing camera systems.

“Wilson Technology is committed to the safety and security of our community and our state,” said Fredrick Wilson, CEO of Wilson Technology Inc. “We’re actively working with other local businesses to join the initiative and are engaging with other counties, municipalities and universities that have seen the success of the Hinds County project.”

Brivo CEO Dean Drako said the initiative provides a model for community-based public safety technology deployments.

“The Hinds County Camera Safety Initiative is a powerful model for other jurisdictions seeking to unite their communities and technology for modern public safety,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Brivo