‘Real-Time Information Center’ aims to better connect Kent Co. law enforcement through data, camera sharing

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Law enforcement agencies in Kent County will soon have a new tool that aims to better connect the departments and allow for real-time data sharing.

U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI) was joined by Kent Co. Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young, Kent Co. Undersheriff Bryan Muir and Kent Co. Board of Commissioners Chair Ben Greene to announce the project Thursday morning.

The Kent County Real-Time Information Center will act as a secure platform that aims to allow local law enforcement agencies across Kent County to communicate in real time, share information securely, catalog and track tips, identify crime trends and connect data from across systems that were previously separated, according to Undersheriff Muir.

“We are not just talking about cameras. We are building a secure platform that enables local law enforcement agencies across Kent County to communicate in real time, securely share information, catalog and track tips, identify crime trends and connect data from across systems that were previously separated,” Undersheriff Muir.

The new information center will still possibly connect hundreds or thousands of new cameras to an already existing network through public participation from local businesses and residents. People and business owners will have the opportunity to connect their camera systems virtually to the network.

“Hundreds of public infrastructure cameras are already integrated into the network, and soon, local businesses and residents will be able to voluntarily link their own security cameras and disconnect at any time. That’s what makes the Kent safety network so powerful. This isn’t government putting cameras on every corner. This is schools, businesses, civic partners and residents choosing to work alongside law enforcement, building a county-wide safety network from the ground up,” said Chair Greene.

With more cameras soon to be connected across the county, there are concerns over privacy and unauthorized data sharing or breaches.

Sheriff LaJoye-Young addressed some of those concerns regarding who can access the system and what type of data, if any, would be available to share with federal agents.

“This is built for local law enforcement. It will be used to have direct access from local law enforcement only, and each of the components that join the system has to sign very specific contracts or memorandums of understanding with us so that it guides the behavior of each of those entities. There are very strict audit trails that are part of it. But with that being said, when there is criminal investigations done by outside partners, our officers can work directly with another investigator to give specific information. But, never direct access to the system,” Sheriff LaJoye-Young said.

The sheriff also addressed the use of drones inside this system, saying that the drone cameras are integrated into the system, and added that those drones are only used as response tools and not as patrol tools.

Rep. Scholten secured some of the federal funding for the project through an appropriations process that identifies local projects in the congressional member’s district. Each congressional member can pitch 15 projects to be approved for funding each session.

“I’m very proud that every year I have had all 15 of my projects funded, and that’s because I choose projects specifically for the community good. And this one in particular stood out to me as something that can truly help enhance public safety and do a lot of community good,” Rep. Scholten said.

The Kent County Real-Time Information Center is slated to be fully operational by early March, Sheriff LaJoye-Young said. For the time being, many of the components of the system are “working in a smaller scale,” Sheriff LaJoye Young added.