Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, the 14th largest city in the U.S., has more than 900,000 residents and covers more than 220 square miles. Like most metropolitan areas, street crime concerned residents so city leaders decided the use of public safety video cameras in select neighborhoods could help reduce crime and improve citizens’ perceptions of personal safety.
Due to the complexity of the technologies and processes involved, the city’s Department of Public Safety contacted SRMC to support its acquisition and implementation efforts.
Our Approach:
Determining how and where to best deploy public safety video in Columbus was a highly collaborative and interactive process led by SRMC. The effort began with a collaborative learning session designed to help key city administrators understand the opportunities, limitations, and realistic costs associated with public safety video technology. Representatives from the Mayor’s Office, Public Safety, Police, Fire, Utilities, IT, Purchasing, Legal, and other departments participated to establish a shared understanding and align the overall vision. In parallel, SRMC worked through the Mayor’s Office and Columbus City Council to incorporate valuable input from neighborhood commissions and individual residents, ensuring community perspectives were reflected in the planning process. The assessment also integrated crime data and operational insights from the Columbus Division of Police, including observations gained through extensive ride-alongs with officers and supervisors, as well as technical evaluations of data transmission, sightlines, spectrum, and infrastructure in coordination with the Departments of Information Technology and Utilities.
Results
This comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach produced a well-informed and highly effective public safety video design. The resulting plan balanced operational needs, technical feasibility, and community considerations, providing the City with a realistic, data-driven framework for deployment that aligned with available infrastructure and public safety objectives.
Conclusion
The successful deployment of Columbus Public Safety video demonstrates the value of a structured, specifications driven approach supported by independent oversight. By developing clear system requirements, guiding the selection of qualified technology and integration partners, and providing continuous monitoring and validation throughout installation, SRMC helped ensure the system was delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with design intent. The effectiveness of the initial phase laid the foundation for sustained expansion, resulting in a scalable and trusted public safety video program that now includes more than 3,400 cameras and continues to grow in support of the City’s public safety objectives.
