Prescott Valley enhances public safety with advanced surveillance technology integration

The Town Council of Prescott Valley, Arizona, convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss advancements in public safety technology and community engagement initiatives. The session highlighted the effectiveness of the town's surveillance systems, including license plate readers and LiveView cameras, in enhancing public safety and aiding in the recovery of missing persons.

The meeting began with a presentation on the success of the Flock system, which has been instrumental in locating individuals with dementia and other vulnerable populations. Currently, there are 26 license plate readers and six LiveView cameras installed at Mountain Valley Park, with plans to add two pan-tilt-zoom cameras that can capture detailed images from up to 1,500 feet away. These cameras will utilize artificial intelligence to detect unusual activity, such as unauthorized individuals in the park during closed hours, and alert law enforcement.

The council discussed the integration of a Real-Time Operations Platform, which will consolidate camera feeds and enhance officers' ability to respond to incidents. This platform will allow officers to access nearby camera views with a single touch, improving situational awareness during emergencies.

Community partnerships were also a focal point of the meeting. The council is actively engaging local businesses and homeowners' associations to encourage them to contribute their security camera feeds to the town's system. This collaborative approach aims to bolster crime prevention efforts and improve overall safety.

Regional cooperation was emphasized, with discussions on sharing resources and data with neighboring jurisdictions, including the city of Prescott and the sheriff's office. This collaboration is designed to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement across city boundaries.

The council addressed data protection measures, ensuring that all surveillance data is encrypted and retained for a maximum of 30 days to balance safety and privacy concerns. Training for staff on the new technologies was highlighted as a priority to ensure effective use of the systems.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored Prescott Valley's commitment to leveraging technology for public safety while fostering community involvement and regional collaboration. The council plans to continue exploring innovative solutions to enhance the safety and security of its residents.