By Police1 Staff
BOSTON — For three days in mid-October thousands of police leaders gathered at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police conference to learn from subject matter experts, network with colleagues from around the world and research the thousands of product solutions on display. Here we highlight Flock Safety’s situational awareness products designed to boost community safety, one of more than 600 exhibitors at IACP.
The problem: Law enforcement agencies often face hurdles when deploying surveillance systems, including high infrastructure costs, lengthy permitting processes and complex setups.
The solution: At IACP 2024, Flock Safety introduced two products that tackle these challenges head-on: the Solar Condor PTZ and the Mobile Security Trailer. These solutions are designed to provide advanced surveillance capabilities without the logistical headaches.
Product: Solar Condor PTZ
What it does: The Solar Condor PTZ is a solar-powered, LTE-enabled camera that combines cutting-edge technology with a hassle-free installation process.
- Dual lens technology: The Condor PTZ addresses a common issue with pan-tilt-zoom cameras: losing the broader context when zooming in. As Vijay Dhamija, Director of Product for Flock Safety explains, “The main issue with PTZ is when zooming in, you lose the context of the view. What we’ve done is add two different sensors or lenses so you get a 90° view of the whole context even while zoomed in.” This ensures both wide-angle views for situational awareness and zoomed-in details for critical focus.
- Solar-powered and infrastructure-free: The Solar Condor PTZ eliminates the need for electrical wiring or permits, allowing it to be deployed in areas where traditional cameras fall short. “It’s running on solar power, which is the benefit — no infrastructure, no wiring. You just install it on a pole, and you’re good to go,” says Dhamija.
- Maintenance-free operation: Designed for reliability, the Condor PTZ includes full support and upkeep, ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 surveillance. “Just set it up and let it run — no IT headaches, no downtime,” Dhamija notes.
Product: Mobile Security Trailer
What it does: The Mobile Security Trailer offers flexibility for temporary or mobile surveillance needs, making it a gamechanger for special event security, high-crime areas and emergency deployments.
- Comprehensive 360° coverage: Equipped with multi-sensor cameras, the trailer provides a complete field of view. “This mobile trailer gives a customer 360° coverage, plus the blue light acts as a deterrent visible from far away,” notes Dhamija.
- Deterrent features: The trailer’s integrated blue light serves as a visible deterrent, while its public address system can issue warnings or guidance. “You can announce, ‘Hey, stop trying to get into those cars,’ or even something like ‘Welcome to Walmart,’ depending on the use case,” Dhamija adds.
- Solar-powered portability: Powered entirely by solar energy, the trailer is quick to deploy and ideal for locations without existing infrastructure. “This is all powered by solar, with a huge panel,” Dhamija says. “It’s available on a lease or subscription model covering cameras, connectivity, and battery.”
Real-world applications
Both products are tailor-made for the unique needs of police departments, offering flexibility, ease of use and cost savings. The Solar Condor PTZ and Mobile Security Trailer address real-world challenges, such as reducing bureaucracy and deployment costs. “To use a Georgia Power pole, police departments often pay $1,000 per year, not including electricity. Our solar solutions eliminate these costs entirely,” Dhamija highlights.
These solutions have already attracted attention from public safety agencies and commercial customers alike:
- Crime hotspots: Deploy the Solar Condor PTZ in areas with high crime rates for constant monitoring and quicker response times.
- Temporary events: The Mobile Security Trailer is perfect for festivals, public gatherings, or emergencies.
- Commercial properties: Retail giants like Walmart and Lowe’s have expressed interest in using these solutions to secure their parking lots.
The bottom line: With the Solar Condor PTZ and Mobile Security Trailer, Flock Safety delivers infrastructure-free surveillance technology that’s ready to deploy wherever and whenever it’s needed. From reducing bureaucracy to enhancing situational awareness, these tools are redefining what’s possible for law enforcement.
For more information, visit FlockSafety.com.