Operation Vulcan's Thunder

Operation Vulcan's Thunder is a Birmingham Police Department initiative to place remote-controlled video surveillance cameras in high-crime areas.

40 cameras will be installed and monitored around the clock by a private company beginning in early 2008. Surveillors will be able to pan, zoom in and out. If they detect criminal activity in progress, police can be notified immediately. The system can also record evidence of criminal activity to aid in investigations and prosecutions. Specific locations will not be disclosed to the public in order to maximize the effectiveness of the disincentive to commit crime.

The project will be funded by $1.4 million per year for the next five years. The funding will come from a portion of the 1-cent sales tax passed by the Birmingham City Council toward the Birmingham Economic and Community Revitalization Ordinance proposed by Mayor Larry Langford. On January 16, 2008 the Public Safety Committee of the Birmingham City Council approved the lone bid for the program submitted by Ion Interactive. Five other companies applied to bid, but were not capable of providing the specified services. Ion, which currently employs two off-duty sheriff's deputies as monitors for their private installations, will hire 18 additional full-time staff for the system.

Reference

• Norris, Toraine (December 17, 2007) "Mayor Larry Langford promises web of cameras to keep watch on Birmingham crime." Birmingham News
• Bryant, Joseph D. (January 17, 2008) "Birmingham City Council committee OKs extra $1.4 million a year to enhance security." Birmingham News