Innovation

Pioneering Public Safety: Kastle's Groundbreaking Expansion of CapitalShield with D.C.'s Real-Time Crime Center

FALLS CHURCH, Va., April 9, 2024 (PRNewswire) -- In a bold move that underscores its enduring commitment to public safety, Kastle, a leader in managed security and property technology, made a landmark pledge to bolster the surveillance capabilities of Washington D.C. Metro Police’s new Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC). The announcement, which promises the integration of over 1,000 existing CapitalShield cameras and an additional donation of 1,000 units to the network, was made at a joint press conference by influential leaders including Kastle Chairman Mark Ein, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and DC Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith.

CapitalShield: A Private-Public Partnership for a Safer D.C.

The partnership, known as CapitalShield, was originally launched in 2015 between Kastle and the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. It was pioneered as a strategic approach that empowered commercial entities to aid in the city's public safety. Property owners, businesses, and institutions enjoyed the dual benefits of private security surveillance while also providing MPD with surveillance access—either directly to live footage or to smart video searches of recorded material in the advent of emergencies or active investigations. This seamless collaboration has been pivotal in equipping first responders with the critical situational awareness needed to swiftly respond and assist citizens.

Initially, Kastle’s benevolent contribution of over 400 Kastle Video cameras sparked the inception of the CapitalShield program. This has exponentially grown to more than 1,000 locations city-wide. Beneficiaries of the program not only utilize these cameras for their own security but grant the MPD the capacity to access their video streams during high-stakes scenarios, thus leveraging private infrastructure for public good. With the advent of the RTCC, Kastle is reinforcing its alliance by donating an additional 1,000 cameras to further extend the District's CCTV reach.

Fortifying Partnerships with D.C.'s Real Estate Titans

Kastle has cultivated influential partnerships with D.C.’s real estate magnates, including Akridge, Hoffman Associates, and JBG Smith, to initiate the program. Now, the safety network coalition welcomes new partners such as Bozzuto and Red Brick, further expanding the impact of CapitalShield. Kastle’s strategic position has been instrumental in securing prominent District customers and high-profile properties, rendering the network coalition robust and wide-ranging.

MPD Police Chief Pamela Smith expressed her vision for the program: "The CapitalShield Program connects private sector security cameras to MPD's Real Time Crime Center, providing access during critical situations. I am hopeful that with continuing expansions of our partnership, MPD's ability to respond will be further amplified as more businesses and institutions get onboard."

Meanwhile, Kastle Chairman Mark Ein voiced his perspective on the burgeoning public-private partnership: "For the enhancement of Public Safety within our communities, it's imperative that we harness and implement the most advanced technological tools available. This requires a concerted community effort, and at Kastle, we are committed to pioneering this impactful collaboration. Our goal is to significantly elevate the real-time camera resources available to the Metropolitan Police Department, thereby enhancing the efficiency at which crimes can be both prevented and solved."

Ein elaborated on the significance of community and corporate support in this critical initiative, stating, "We owe a debt of gratitude to our numerous supportive customers, who are essentially the leading property owners within the city. Collaborative endeavors like this are paramount, and it is essential that we rally alongside the Mayor, the Chief of Police, and the Council to address this significant matter."

For companies and institutions interested in joining the cause, registering for the CapitalShield program is a proactive step toward community enhancement. Additional information on how to be part of this innovative safety network can be found at Capitalshield.org.

Kastle's Legacy of Innovation and Protection

Since its establishment in 1972, Kastle has led the property technology industry, presenting cutting-edge solutions and services that transcend typical security boundaries. Their offerings, which span across commercial real estate, multifamily dwellings, global enterprises, educational institutions, and critical government infrastructures, encompass a wide array of security measures. The company specializes in a gamut of advanced solutions, including access control, video surveillance, visitor management, and identity verification, alongside a suite of mobile security applications—all integrated on an open, standardized platform and backed by a team of professionals available around the clock.

Their robust suite of security tools ensures round-the-clock monitoring and maintenance, as Kastle positions itself at the vanguard of the industry, setting standards for operational excellence. Kastle's headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia, stands as a testament to this achievement, especially as they have been recognized as a 2023 CREtech Real Estate Technology Award (RETAS) Grand Prize winner—an honor celebrating their pivotal role in innovating real estate solutions.

For media inquiries, please contact Kyle McAdams at [email protected].

This evolution of Kastle's partnership with Washington D.C.'s law enforcement marks a significant stepping stone towards urban safety and innovative crime prevention strategies. Kastle's expanded support for the MPD RTCC, through the CapitalShield program, illuminates their unwavering commitment to fostering safer communities, paving the way for future public-private safety initiatives.

Conclusion: A Safer Tomorrow Starts Today

As Kastle Systems and the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department embrace the future with their expanded surveillance capabilities, the community stands on the brink of a new era of security. This partnership, with its blend of cutting-edge technology and collaborative spirit, offers a blueprint for other cities aiming to enhance their security landscape. The proactive approach exhibited by Kastle and the DC MPD is a powerful reminder that the key to a safer tomorrow lies in the collective action and innovation of today.

Contact: Kyle McAdams Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Kastle

Editor's Note:

The extended commitment of Kastle to public safety through the integration of their CapitalShield camera network into Washington D.C.'s Real-Time Crime Center represents an unparalleled model of private-public security collaboration. At a time when urban safety is of paramount importance, such initiatives stand as beacons of hope, showcasing the transformative power of unity and technological advancement in the relentless pursuit of a safer and more secure society.

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