New software gives 911 dispatchers access to cameras near emergency calls

HOWELL, Mich. (WXYZ) — A new tool for 911 dispatchers is being tested in Livingston County. The technology software is known as Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing, and the creator said it allows dispatchers to access cameras near an active 911 call.

Potentially, dispatchers will be able to see an emergency as it develops. The software is owned and developed by Eagle Eye Networks.

Emilio Zapata, who works in downtown Howell, said, “I know that people in this neighborhood, in particular, really value safety.”

7 News Detroit asked him for his thoughts on the new technology.

“I think we’re getting more and more used to the idea that cameras are watching us” Zapata said.

“I work at that restaurant. I know I would feel a lot safer knowing that that information alone could help law enforcement. I also really think it could be a deterrent.”

Cooper Briscoe is Director of Product Marketing at Eagle Eye Networks.

He explained, “So when we lead emergency services, we are keeping them safe and making our community safer.

“Now when they arrive at the scene, they are better informed. They potentially go exactly where the threat is and have up-to-date information they otherwise wouldn’t be able to get.

Briscoe said there are concerns about Big Brother watching us, but said that was far from the reality in this case.

“A lot of times people are concerned. ‘What about privacy? What about compliance, right? We don’t want law enforcement to have access to the cameras.’ I want to be clear that Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing does not give law enforcement full access to view video footage. calmed down.

The technology is being tested at Livingston Educational Service Agency. 7 News Detroit has learned that there is a camera in the agency’s lobby equipped with the software.

It was installed by Joe Bommarito of Novi-based Elite Fire and Security.

“And what’s great about this is that we can make it a community engagement — and this is what really interested me — if we put a few cameras here, a few cameras there, a few cameras all over the city, when someone calls 911, the cameras start popping up within a hundred yards or so of the 911 number.” he explained.

He reiterates that once the 911 call ends, there will no longer be access to the recording and the dispatch center will not record it.

For more information on sharing your Eagle Eye 911 camera, please visit her website.