LVT’s mobile surveillance units deter crime, adapt to any location, and provide a flexible security solution that keeps public parks safe and accessible.
“We don’t go to that park at night.”
It’s been more than 20 years, but I still clearly remember my mom’s admonishment that the beautiful, sprawling park just a few minutes away was off-limits after dark.
While I may not have understood her reasoning at the time, in the years that followed, I was grateful for her wisdom. It was while walking through that park at night that a woman was followed home—and beaten with a rock once she made it there. It was in that park at night that a man was murdered on a playground.
Public parks are meant to be a space for connection, gathering, and play. Unfortunately, their open and unrestricted nature also makes them difficult to secure, especially when factoring in the need to protect people’s right to privacy.
When we’re children, we see parks as fun, safe public spaces where we can run wild and explore. As we age, however, that sense of safety can feel more like just another childhood fantasy.
Because they are easy to access day and night with plenty of places to meet and plenty of places to hide, parks can be hotspots for drug deals, vandalism, assaults, and more—an effect that isn’t limited to the park itself. Across the United States, both property crime and violent crime are up to 64% higher in neighborhoods adjacent to public parks as opposed to neighborhoods just a mile down the road.
It doesn’t help that the very nature of parks poses a number of security problems and prohibits several traditional security solutions:
There is, however, one security method able to deter crime and easily adapt to remote locations: mobile security units. These units offer a cost-effective solution to the public park security problem.
Mobile surveillance units offer several key features that make them ideal for public park security:
While mobile surveillance sounds like the perfect park security, it comes with one concern that does need to be addressed: the legal and ethical obligations of privacy.
Video surveillance is an incredible security tool, but, as with any other kind of tool, it can cause damage if used incorrectly.
There is always the risk that those monitoring the surveillance cameras will misuse their position, and there is also the risk of unauthorized access. These threats could lead to problems like using video footage for personal gain or voyeurism.
In addition, that same principle behind bad actors not committing a crime because they know they’re being watched can also cause people discomfort when they come to the park to relax.
While it may seem like an impossible challenge, it’s important to balance the need for security and the need for privacy as much as possible. Having effective strategies in place can make all the difference when it comes to protecting both park visitors and their privacy.
Every park is unique and comes with its own set of challenges. How extensive surveillance needs actually are will vary as much as the parks themselves. Identifying high-risk areas allows you to address them directly. Re-evaluating on a regular basis gives you the chance to adjust your strategy as needed.
A park’s design, activity, and maintenance can make a big difference in determining whether it attracts or deters dangerous behavior. Mobile surveillance units are great at adding security to locations, but they aren’t the only way to reduce crime at parks. Other solutions to consider include:
Both local and national laws outline the rules for surveillance monitoring, data handling, and individual rights. Understanding and consistently complying with these laws prevents problems on multiple levels.
Transparency about security initiatives helps give back a measure of control. If people go into a situation knowing what to expect, it’s much easier to accept and adapt. Even with that though, it’s important to listen to the concerns of community members and foster an open dialogue to address and assuage fears. This can be done through in-person community forums or online feedback channels.
While companies like LiveView Technologies® (LVT) already have data protection measures in place, those controlling the surveillance cameras ultimately control and protect the access to the footage and data collected. In order to stop potential abuse or unauthorized access, it’s critical to implement clear, comprehensive data handling and access procedures.
Striking the perfect balance between security and privacy is possible with the right tactics and the right tools for the job. Mobile security units, paired with carefully considered strategy, can help keep both parks and people safer.
Interested in learning more about how mobile security units can protect your property? Contact LVT today!
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