Internet to Help Police Track Crimes

The Police Department, in partnership with Los Alamitos police, plans to unveil a system to monitor crimes in progress using the Internet during a news conference next week.

The unique program will enable officers in patrol cars to watch live video after an on-site alarm from a bank or other potential crime target allows access to security camera views.

Seal Beach Police Sgt. Dean Zanone approached the Loronix Information Systems company six months ago to help develop the “real-time intelligence” program.

Officers will be able to look at security camera video that was previously available to them only on tape, Zanone said. “We are going to see [crimes] in real time instead of after the fact so we can more safely manage our approach,” he said.

He said the ability to use technology already available in the streaming video form found on many Web sites prompted him to inquire about using the program for police work.

“It seemed like the logical next step,” Zanone said. “I’m very satisfied that it will be an effective tool for law enforcement.”

The wireless network is already partially installed in Seal Beach. The department has permission to access a video feed from the Rockwell Federal Credit Union building on Seal Beach Boulevard. And there is one patrol car equipped with a monitor.

Zanone described the system as a “video call for help” and said officers would not randomly watch potential crime areas. Privately owned companies would have to subscribe to an alarm system that offers the live video feature.

Alex Murashko can be reached at (714) 966-5974.