Mount Vernon police launch real-time public safety center
The space is powered by Motorola Solutions and is complete with live video, AI analytics and license plate readers.
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Mount Vernon police launched a state-of-the-art space at their headquarters on Monday to help them fight crime.
Officials are calling it the Aware Room.
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said it's a real-time public safety center that is a $1.8 million investment in modern policing.
"So again, we're not defunding the police. We're just doing things a little bit differently through technology and partnership," Patterson-Howard said.
The space is powered by Motorola Solutions and is complete with live video, AI analytics and license plate readers.
Officials said these features will hopefully help the department cut down on their emergency response times.
"This is a game changer," said Police Commissioner David Gibson.
"They'll be able to get eyes on the scene, in real-time, within seconds and immediately be able to assess what's going on at the scene," said Motorola Solutions Specialist Sam Rabadi.
City Councilmember Cathlin Gleason said they were inspired to implement the technology after learning about a similar room at the Yonkers Police Department.
"Yonkers really led the way with their Aware Room... So, when we were over there and they were so gracious in showing us everything," Gleason said.
Gleason said she thinks the launch of this space ultimately signals the start of a new era in her city.
"You can no longer come to Mount Vernon, commit a crime and not be caught," Gleason said.
