December 13th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
In partnership with the Cumberland Police Department and in continuation of their efforts to increase the safety of the City of Cumberland, the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) recently purchased a new surveillance trailer funded by a grant provided by the State’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The trailer is a mobile unit that can monitor and record activity in a given area.
“Cumberland Police Department and I would like to express our appreciation for our partnership with the CEDC and their support for public safety. CEDC has worked diligently to support our local economy by obtaining grant funds to increase and modernize our surveillance network. By adding a mobile video surveillance trailer to our fleet, we can now monitor activity remotely in any areas of concern throughout the city. This gives our department more eyes on any problem location within the city limits and is a game-changer in our efforts to address crime and enhance community safety,” commented City Police Chief Chuck Ternent. “Having a surveillance trailer allows us to make our city and its citizens safer and deter potential crimes.”
The surveillance trailer will be deployed on an as-needed basis to locations where there is currently no active surveillance infrastructure. The unit was recently deployed to the George Washington Headquarters area. During its deployment, it has already shown success in deterring crimes and allowing effective response from the Cumberland Police Department.
The unit can be utilized anywhere with cell phone service and a moderate amount of sunlight. The trailer has several applications and can be placed in specific trouble locations prone to criminal activity, festivals and special events, and monitoring city-owned assets. It will not replace officer presence in these areas but will be used to supplement efforts already being taken.
“Neighborhood Safety is a key and often overlooked component as it relates to economic development.” Explained Matt Miller, Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation. “Providing a sense of safety and security to our patrons and visitors is vital in supporting our local businesses and tourism. Simply put – if people feel unsafe, they won’t visit, shop, dine, etc.”
The trailer has four Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) cameras and two motion detection cameras to monitor the unit itself and deter vandalism. It also has two-way audio for remote communication, and each camera is equipped with AI tracking technology. This functionality expedites response time for any suspicious activity. The trailer’s recorded video provides necessary proof for investigations.
