Syracuse Mall Partners with Police and Surveillance Tech Company to Reduce Crime
Syracuse Mall, in collaboration with the Syracuse Police Department and Flock Safety, a surveillance technology company, has implemented a new security system aimed at reducing crime. License plate reading cameras have been installed at every vehicle entrance of the Destiny USA mall, proving to be highly effective in preventing criminal activity since their installation on August 9.
According to Aiden McGuire, the Director of Corporate Communications at Pyramid Management Group, the cameras have played a significant role in deterring crime. They have aided in the identification of stolen vehicles and vehicles linked to known shoplifters, contributing to the immediate prevention and resolution of crimes.
The cameras employ motion-activation technology, enabling them to capture clear images of the rear of vehicles and their license plates as they pass. The collected data is then used to identify wanted or stolen vehicles by cross-referencing various state and national databases, including the AMBER Alert database and the FBI National Crime Information Center. Whenever a license plate match is found, real-time alerts are sent to the Syracuse Police Department, specifying the vehicle’s entrance at Destiny USA.
While the new security measure has been widely appreciated for its effectiveness, some organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have expressed concerns about privacy. The ACLU has stated that license plate readers should only be used in specific cases, such as notifying authorities about AMBER alerts or stolen vehicles. They argue against the recording of normal vehicle travel data that can be accessed by law enforcement agencies nationwide, emphasizing the need to prevent overuse in low-income areas or communities of color.
To address these concerns, the license plate readers at Syracuse Mall do not have a public IP address, and the photos captured are encrypted using Amazon Web Services’ Key Management Service-based encryption. The data is stored in AWS’ cloud for 30 days and can only be accessed by detectives or law enforcement officers involved in crime prevention and investigation.
Matthew Malinowski, the Public Information Officer for the Syracuse Police Department, clarified that the department does not own the data collected by the cameras. They utilize the footage solely to identify vehicles related to criminal incidents, aiming to mitigate safety risks in light of previous incidents at Destiny USA.
In recent years, reported offenses at the mall have decreased by 40% as a result of various safety measures implemented, including the enforcement of Destiny USA’s Parental Escort Policy and having police officers on-site during operational hours. However, incidents have seen an increase in 2023, with a total of 707 response calls recorded by the Department of Public Safety. The most commonly reported offenses include larceny, burglary, criminal mischief, simple assault, and offenses against family.
The new surveillance cameras at Syracuse Mall have been implemented with the goal of reducing gun violence and organized retail crime by preventing potential perpetrators from entering the premises. By providing perimeter security, the cameras serve as a proactive measure against crimes committed within the mall itself.
Holly Beilin, the Director of Communications for Flock Safety, emphasized that the cameras are solely intended for crime reduction purposes. They do not record speed or issue parking-related penalties. The focus remains on preventing, reducing, and investigating criminal activities.
The collaboration between Syracuse Mall, the Syracuse Police Department, and Flock Safety aims to strike a balance between enhanced security measures and ensuring privacy rights. While the cameras have proven effective in deterring crime, it is essential to address public concerns and ensure responsible use of surveillance technology for the safety and well-being of the community.
