LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington police have implemented new technology to aid their investigations. It’s called Fusus, a software that connects security cameras, both personal or public, together.
Inside Lexington’s newest Real-Time Intelligence Center, Sergeant Tyson Carroll explains the new Atlanta-based software and how it will help during emergencies.
“If this incident was taking place inside the business, we would then want to load up a lobby. And that’s what we’ve done here,” Carroll said as he demonstrated the technology. “So we’re using the Lexington Police headquarters as our test incident. We load up the lobby. If there is something happening at this point, we within the Real-Time Intelligence Center would be able to give that information to units as they respond, which is invaluable.”
He said the department has already integrated traffic cameras.
“We’re able to solve problems in a much more efficient and expedited manner,” said Commander Matthew Greathouse, who said this will help solve crimes.
“Right now, investigators, if they go out in the middle of the night and they are knocking on doors, they’re shining flashlights, trying to find cameras, trying to find sources, that’s an extremely inefficient way to try to find if our community registers those cameras, at least our detectives will have a list to go off to, at least have a starting point,” Greathouse said.
Last year, the city launched Flock cameras which are license plate readers, and they’ve seen the benefits in solving crimes.
“That is why I proposed back in April that we take the next step and establish the Real-Time Intelligence Center with an additional investment of about $150,000 annually in video-based intelligence software known as Fusus,” said Mayor Linda Gorton. “The software combines these assets into a single source. It’s an investigative tool and a resource we can use to streamline emergency response and incident management with real-time information for our first responders.”
There are two levels: first is for a business or individual to register the camera so police can have access to footage when needed. Second, it allows businesses and residents to purchase a Fūsuscore device to share live video with the department.
It’s video access that Police Chief Lawrence Weathers explained will be used for investigations only, and not for any other purpose for businesses or individuals that opt in.
If a business or person signs up, there is a device to purchase, and it comes with the hardware and a subscription fee.
You can read the department’s video footage use policy at lexingtonky.gov.