Operation Virtual Shield

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Operation Virtual Shield is a program implemented by Chicago, IL mayor Richard M. Daley, which created the most extensive video surveillance network in the United States[1] by linking more than 3000 surveillance cameras to a centralized monitoring system, which captures and processes camera feeds in real time. It also includes sensors such as biological, chemical, and radiological sensors.[2] It is able to detect suspicious or dangerous activity and identify its location, and now incorporates facial recognition.[3] Virtual Shield is also used to record activity at a potential crime scene before police arrive at a call.[3] The cost of the program was $217 million, much of which came from Homeland Security grants.[1][4] The retention time of technical data collected is 30 days.[2]

Daley stated that Chicago will have a surveillance camera on every street corner by the year 2016.[1][4]

  1. ^ a b c Schorn, Daniel (September 6, 2006). "We're Watching: How Chicago Authorities Keep An Eye On The City". CBS News. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  2. ^ a b "Technology". City of Chicago. Retrieved 17 Nov 2020.
  3. ^ a b Webster, John (July 9, 2010). "IBM Smarter Planet Storage Solutions" (PDF). Technology Insight Series. Evaluator Group, Inc. p. 3. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
  4. ^ a b Spielman, Fran (February 19, 2009). "Surveillance cams help fight crime, city says". Chicago Sun Times. Retrieved 2009-03-13.