FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2008
Contact: Carson Chandler, (407) 246 - 2822
              Heather Allebaugh, (407) 246 - 3423
                      

Mayor Dyer Announces I.R.I.S Camera Initiative

Orlando, FL: On Monday, March 24, 2008 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Police Chief Val Demings outlined the planned launch of the City’s latest crime fighting initiative:

I.R.I.S (Innovative Response to Improve Safety)

I.R.I.S. is the Orlando Police Department’s safety camera program. Using downtown Orlando’s federally-funded homeland security network as a foundation, the Department will deploy additional cameras around the City. Specially trained OPD personnel will be able to monitor those cameras 24 hours a day from a central command center. The cameras will allow officers to intervene in crimes as, or even before, they happen.

“The introduction of IRIS is an important moment for the safety of our community,” said Mayor Dyer. “We are entering a new era of community policing – an era in which the power of pixels can make us a safer city.”

I.R.I.S. cameras will start in an operational fashion in July. There will be 20-25 cameras at the outset. Phase one (60 cameras) is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. Funding for I.R.I.S. will come from a unique public-private partnership with businesses and civic organizations in Orlando.

###