The Newark Police Department and SW24 in Landmark Partnership to Combat Crime At No Taxpayer Expense

The Newark Police Department and SecureWatch 24, a New York City-based security company with a Network Operations Center located in Moonachie, N.J., are partnering in an unprecedented relationship to combat local crime by allowing the police access to SW24 customer video recordings. It is thought to be the first collaboration of its kind in the state of New Jersey.

The agreement allows the Newark Police to access local SW24 customer video records upon request in order to aid criminal investigations.  Local SW24 customers will agree in advance to allow such access.  There are currently several dozen SW24 customers in the Newark area with over 300 cameras in various locations a valuable strategic resource to the police department's efforts to reduce crime.  SW24 is already obtaining permissions from its customers as part of this effort.  SW24 maintains a video management network of over 22,000 cameras throughout New York City and New Jersey.

"As far as we know this agreement between a public law enforcement entity and a private security company is unprecedented in New Jersey‹it shows how forward thinking the Newark Police Department is," said Desmond Smyth, SW24 president.  "Our local customers will agree to make their videos available to the police‹thereby giving the police access to over 300 cameras without the need for taxpayers to pay a nickel.  Our network of cameras is a "force multiplier" for the 2,000 men and women of the Newark Police Department."

SW24 has a long history of assisting local New Jersey law enforcement to apprehend criminal suspects, Smyth said.  Since last December, SW24 says it has helped in the prosecution of 11 suspected rapists, murders and other serious criminals.  The Hudson County prosecutor and SW24 recently worked together several months ago to arrest a suspected rapist.

SW24 said it worked closely with Peter Lutz, MIS/I.T. director at the Newark Police Department on the collaboration.  Representatives of Mayor Cory Booker's office were also included in the discussions that resulted in a recently signed Memo of Understanding (MOU) between the police and the security company.   In the future, a video terminal may be installed by SW24 in the city's Rapid Transit Operations Center so trained personnel can do real-time video surveillance‹ but only with prior customer permission.  The agreement comes at a time when a controversial ordinance requiring video cameras in certain types of Newark bars and restaurants recently took effect. The Newark Police department is fast becoming one of the most technologically advanced departments in the country and reliance on video surveillance should be a key aspect of future investigations, SW24 added.

"Most of the senior management of SW24 is retired New York City Police officers, and David De Lucca, our representative in New Jersey who worked with the Director's people at the department to put this agreement together, is also a retired New Jersey police officer.  So we understand the needs of the police in putting together solid evidence against a suspect.  We're not Big Brother, but we are "One Cop to Another" said Smyth.

Featured

  • Achieving Clear Communications

    Achieving Clear Communications

    Technology within the security industry has adapted to numerous changes through the years, from the early days of analog devices to today’s IP-based solutions, networked cameras, and access control solutions, in addition to analytics, cloud-based products, virtual security guards, and more. Read Now

  • Taking Flight

    Taking Flight

    Airport security is a complex system that incorporates multiple technologies to ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and the facility itself. Sound-based technologies are integral pieces of this system, providing means of communication, notification and monitoring. Read Now

  • Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    ISC West 2023 is right around the corner! This year’s trade show is scheduled from March 28–31 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Campus Security & Life Safety and Security Today staff will be on hand to provide live updates about the security industry’s latest innovations, trends, and products. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • A Break from Routine

    A Break from Routine

    It was three years ago right about now that COVID was bringing the world to its knees. In mid-March of 2020, the president put travel restrictions on all flights in and out of Europe, the NBA suspended its season, and Tom Hanks announced that he’d tested positive for the disease—all in the same night. It was officially a national emergency two days later. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo is the affordable, easy-to-install home security system designed for anyone who wants an added layer of peace of mind and protection. It has several products, ranging from the fan-favorite Doorbell Camera + Chime, to the more comprehensive Front Door Security Kit with Professional Monitoring. Regardless of the level of desired security, Kangaroo’s designed to move with consumers - wherever that next chapter may be. Motion sensors, keypads and additional features can be part of the package to any Kangaroo system in place, anytime. Additionally, Kangaroo offers scalable protection plans with a variety of benefits ranging from 24/7 professional monitoring to expanded cloud storage, coverage for damage and theft. 3

  • Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    New DKU screw type terminal blocks use a spring-guided system where the screws are integrated and captive within the terminal enclosure. These screws can be backed out so that ring- or U-shaped cable lugs can be inserted, without the possibility of losing the screw. 3