(DEARBORN) - The Dearborn Police Department has launched a new real-time crime monitoring system that officials say is cutting emergency response times to under three minutes across the city.
The department is the first in Michigan to deploy the FUSUS platform, a technology that integrates city-owned cameras, participating business security systems, officer body and dash cameras, police drones, and live video feeds from residents' smartphones during emergencies. The system operates independently from 911 dispatch, allowing officers to view live video and assess situations while calls are still in progress.
Police Chief Issa Shahin said the system gives officers real-time visual access when businesses or residents opt in. Participating businesses can choose their level of involvement and pay an annual fee that officials say is lower than similar camera programs.
When a participating business calls 911, police can immediately access live security footage. Dispatchers can also send secure video links to callers, allowing smartphone cameras to stream directly to the department's crime center to help pinpoint locations and determine the appropriate response.
The program also includes six police drones positioned throughout Dearborn. The drones provide live video, thermal imaging, and zoom capabilities, and transmit feeds back to the crime center. Police say the drone program has reduced response times to under two-and-a-half minutes. The drones are equipped with safety features, including emergency parachutes.
Some business owners have praised the system, saying it allows officers to understand situations before arriving on scene. Others have raised concerns about privacy and surveillance.
Police officials say cameras are not monitored continuously and are only accessed during emergency calls. All camera use is logged and published on the city's public transparency page.
The department says the system is now fully operational and available citywide to participating businesses and residents.