The deployment is part of a pilot program to install cameras in a minimum of 12 squad cars. According to the CPD preliminary estimates indicate that equipping one squad car with digital video capacity could cost up to $5,000. There are currently 1,800 marked squad cars in the Department's fleet. The Department says it will aggressively seek state funding for the program and will explore what Federal grants are available.
The CPD is utilizing the Sequent Ranger system to deliver streaming video surveillance wirelessly from mobile surveillance vehicles that can be deployed any where in the city. The systems provide a complete end-to-end video surveillance solution; from in-vehicle front-end surveillance to a back-end server for video data management.
The Ranger's video streaming capabilities are currently integrated into the Chicago Police Department's internal Internet. This allows police headquarters to share information with police officers already deployed in the field and other municipal departments.
The Ranger is currently used in various vehicle platforms ranging from a police modified ambulance utilizing a 60 ft. retractable mast for traffic monitoring and special event monitoring, and to allow officials visual access to major incidents. Global ePoint's video streaming capabilities are also used in covert pickup trucks for monitoring high crime areas among offices in different districts.
