Midtown Atlanta Crime Initiative Deploys Wireless Surveillance Cameras

Criminals may run, but they can't hide anymore. At least not in midtown Atlanta. Midtown Blue Public Safety Force has deployed surveillance cameras throughout midtown with the help of wireless network provider One Ring Networks.

Midtown Blue has deployed surveillance cameras throughout midtown to better monitor high-crime areas and provide quicker response. The surveillance program is made possible by relatively new wireless technology that provides high bandwidth communications to out-of-the-way locations beyond what copper-based services can offer and at a much lower cost.

"Fixed wireless communications affords the ability to relay video images from cameras in awkward places where traditional broadband carriers can't reach," said One Ring Networks CEO Matt Liotta. "That video feed is then routed back to monitors observed by Midtown Blue Safety Force."

There are now 23 video cameras positioned throughout midtown Atlanta to help Midtown Blue better monitor the most dangerous areas of the city. Midtown Blue Public Safety manager and homeland security coordinator Wayne Mock hopes to increase that number to 35.

"The cameras have already played a major role in reducing crime," said Mock. "When we first began the project about a year ago, we were limited in the number of cameras we could deploy. Telecommunications service from AT&T was cost prohibitive and they didn't have the flexibility to supply service in the dark nooks where crime often takes place. One Ring Networks was able to provide wireless service at an affordable price. They also have the ability to connect to cameras in the hard-to-reach places where crimes are being committed."

One Ring Networks operates one of the largest hybrid fiber-fixed wireless networks in the United States and is one of the few carriers offering end-to-end telecommunications and networking services without relying on other companies' networks. Over its next generation network, One Ring offers high-speed data services, feature-rich IP phone services, IP telephony infrastructure, integration and management, and network monitoring and management.

Midtown Blue is a 24/7 private security force of off-duty Atlanta Police officers dedicated to increasing public safety and decreasing crime.