Long Beach Township is currently implementing phase one of a project to install cameras on Long Beach Boulevard to allow residents, business owners and visitors to check road conditions, such as flooding and traffic, with an app that accesses the camera view. The first cameras will be situated on the Boulevard in the area of 35th Street in Brant Beach, facing north and south.
“The emphasis is on inclusion of the public by allowing access to dedicated camera viewpoints,” LBT Police Chief Anthony Deely explained. “This service will be an app that the public can (use) to view current conditions.
“Long Beach Township Communications Centralized Dispatch Center handles calls for several towns on the Island. Frequently they deal with weather/road condition calls that can be addressed with this technology, in turn freeing up communications for more serious calls for service. The call volume inquiring about current conditions – mostly weather-related, and specifically flooding – should decrease and calls of priority can be better managed.”
The technology, Deely added, will be utilized in coordination with state and county partners to ensure the public receives the assistance necessary to prepare for weather events or other emergencies, as well as adequate response during and after an event, and asset mobilization. “The locations are monitored 24/7 in our centralized dispatch center by highly trained dispatchers and officers,” the chief noted.
As he also pointed out, “This technology will allow resources to be directed to the areas that immediately need assistance. This will also alleviate the need for patrol officers to continually place themselves in a vantage point that may be hazardous if conditions worsen.”
The cameras will also help local first aid and fire departments, as well as utility companies.
“The goal,” said Deely, “is to ensure the safety” of all of those on LBI. —J.K.-H.