The East Lansdowne Police Department is turning to new technology to help it prevent crime, improve its emergency response, and strengthen its investigative abilities.
The borough police department is deploying 41 AI-driven public safety cameras in East Lansdowne.
The initiative is from a strategic partnership with DELCO Solutions and Verkada Inc. and is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED).
The newly installed public safety cameras will be positioned exclusively along public roadways, intersections, and sidewalks.
No cameras are capable of viewing into private residences, and resident privacy will be respected, according to a release from the East Lansdowne Police Department announcing the new technology.
“Through this partnership with DELCO Solutions and Verkada Inc., East Lansdowne joins a growing number of communities nationwide leveraging responsible technology to improve public safety outcomes,” said East Lansdowne Chief of Police James Cadden. “Ultimately, this initiative will increase public safety, improve officer response, and provide invaluable evidence when seeking justice for victims of crime, all while respecting our residents’ privacy.”
The cameras and accompanying AI will help officers by providing real-time video access during active incidents, improving response times, and allowing police officers to assess the situation before they arrive.
The cameras will support officer safety by identifying suspect movements, vehicles, or potential threats in real time as they cope with assaults, vehicle thefts, burglaries, or large public disturbances.
The recorded video footage will also be critical for post-incident investigations and the criminal justice process.
The cameras will:
• Capture clear, objective evidence of criminal activity.
• Assist in identifying suspects, vehicles, and timelines.
• Corroborate witness statements and officer observations.
• Strengthen criminal prosecutions, helping ensure offenders are held accountable.
• Provide victims with confidence that their cases are supported by reliable evidence.
“This technology ultimately helps ensure fair and accurate outcomes in court proceedings while upholding due process,” the release stated.
To maintain the public trust, the East Lansdowne Police Department has strict policies governing the camera usage, access to footage, and data retention.
The system is not used for surveillance of lawful activity, nor does it track residents or monitor individuals based on personal characteristics.
Access to camera footage is restricted to authorized law enforcement personnel and is logged and audited for accountability.
No data will be stored past 30 days unless it is preserved as evidence in an investigation.
The cameras do not conduct mass surveillance or use indiscriminate facial recognition of the public.
Residents with questions or who want to learn more are encouraged to contact the East Lansdowne Police Department directly, attend community meetings or public forums, or review updates posted on the department’s website and social media pages.
