Community-Led Video Security Network Transforms Pennsylvania City Public Safety

A community-supported video security initiative has transformed public safety in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The citizen-led collaboration demonstrates how open platform video technology can help revitalize struggling urban areas.

Faced with rising crime, open-air drug markets, and declining neighborhoods in the late 1990s, the citizens of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, took action. What began as a grassroots response evolved into one of the nation's most effective community-supported video security networks, powered by Milestone Systems’ XProtect open platform video management software (VMS).

For this city of nearly 60,000, with much of its economy based on tourism, the results demonstrate the power of community-driven technology solutions. Video evidence availability soared from 55 percent to over 90 percent, enabling faster case resolution and stronger prosecutions. In 2023 alone, Coalition operators provided live video support to 911 dispatchers during more than 4,100 incidents. Most significantly, once-empty downtown streets now thrive with pedestrian activity and bustling businesses.

Technology Infrastructure Enables Community Success

The Lancaster Safety Coalition operates as a nonprofit organization, separate from law enforcement, but works collaboratively with police to enhance public safety. At the system's core, Milestone XProtect video management software provides a flexible foundation that enables city-wide scaling while adapting to evolving community needs.

The technical infrastructure, designed and maintained by systems integrator App-Techs Corporation, supports approximately 170 4K quad-sensor cameras positioned strategically throughout Lancaster's neighborhoods and downtown area. The open platform architecture proved critical for long-term success. XProtect now supports more than 13,000 different security devices from over 700 manufacturers. This flexibility enabled the Coalition to select the best cameras for each location while ensuring cost-effective expansion.

"What makes this project remarkable is the synergy between the technology partners and our community vision," said Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Lancaster Safety Coalition. "The open platform from Milestone, the technical expertise from App-Techs, and our community-driven approach created a formula that's yielded extraordinary results. We've seen crime rates plummet, businesses return to downtown, and most importantly, neighbors are reclaiming their streets. This isn't just about cameras, it's about using the right tools with the right partners to empower a community."

Operational Excellence Through Community Partnership

The system operates as a force multiplier for local police, with officers regularly collaborating with Coalition operators on investigations and warrant service. A custom digital evidence delivery system maintains strict chain-of-custody protocols, allowing operators to compile, document and securely transfer video evidence to law enforcement through an efficient browser-based interface.

The Coalition's effectiveness has changed investigation dynamics entirely. In one remarkable case, operators tracked a shooting suspect from the crime scene back to their residence within 15 minutes, leading to immediate arrest. This capability demonstrates how community-operated technology can provide law enforcement with unprecedented investigational support.

Looking ahead, the Lancaster Safety Coalition plans to add approximately 20 additional cameras over the next two years, representing their largest geographic expansion since 2009. These additions will focus on areas still facing safety challenges, consistent with the Coalition's belief that quality of life should not be determined by street address.

Featured

  • From Monitors to Mission Control

    Security Operations Centers (SOC) were once defined by rows of static monitors, each displaying a single feed with operators quietly watching for issues. That model has become obsolete. Incidents evolve too quickly, data comes from multiple locations, and decisions must be made in seconds—not minutes. Read Now

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities