FAQ-Public Safety Cameras

Public Safety Camera Program – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Public Safety Camera Program?

The East Lansdowne Police Department has partnered with DELCO Solutions and Verkada Inc. to deploy forty-one (41) AI-driven public safety cameras throughout the Borough of East Lansdowne. The program is designed to enhance public safety, support emergency response, and assist criminal investigations while respecting resident privacy.

Where are the cameras located?

All cameras are installed in public locations only, such as:

  • Public roadways

  • Intersections

  • Sidewalks

  • Other publicly accessible areas

No cameras are installed in private areas.

Can the cameras see inside homes or private property?

No.

The cameras are not capable of viewing inside homes, apartments, yards, or private businesses. Camera placement and configuration are intentionally designed to focus only on public spaces.

Are residents being monitored or tracked?

No.

The camera system is not used to monitor lawful activity, track residents, or target individuals based on personal characteristics. The system is used solely to support public safety and criminal investigations.

How do the cameras help police officers?

Public safety cameras assist officers by:

  • Providing real-time video access during active incidents

  • Improving situational awareness before officers arrive on scene

  • Helping identify suspect descriptions, vehicles, and movement patterns

  • Enhancing officer safety during emergency responses

How do the cameras help solve crimes?

Recorded video footage can:

  • Capture objective evidence of criminal activity

  • Help identify suspects and involved vehicles

  • Establish accurate timelines

  • Support search warrants and follow-up investigations

  • Strengthen criminal prosecutions

This helps ensure fair and effective justice for victims of crime.

Who can access the video footage?

Access to camera footage is:

  • Restricted to authorized law enforcement personnel

  • Governed by strict departmental policies

  • Logged and audited for accountability

Footage is only reviewed for legitimate law enforcement purposes.

How long is video footage retained?

Video retention follows established policies and legal requirements. Footage is retained only as long as necessary for public safety, investigative, or evidentiary purposes. No data is stored past thirty (30) days unless it is preserved as evidence in an investigation. 

Is facial recognition being used?

The system does not conduct mass surveillance or indiscriminate facial recognition of the public. Any advanced tools are used responsibly, lawfully, and in accordance with policy and applicable laws.

How does this program protect privacy?

The program protects privacy by:

  • Limiting camera views to public spaces only

  • Restricting access to authorized personnel

  • Prohibiting monitoring of lawful activity

  • Using clear policies for access, use, and retention

Why is this program important for East Lansdowne?

This initiative helps:

  • Improve emergency response and public safety

  • Support officers with modern tools

  • Increase investigative accuracy

  • Enhance accountability and transparency

  • Provide greater peace of mind for residents

How can residents ask questions or learn more?

Residents are encouraged to:

  • Contact the East Lansdowne Police Department directly

  • Attend community meetings or public forums

  • Review updates posted on the department’s website and social media pages