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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

CALERA – The city of Calera announced on Dec. 17 that it has acquired a new state-of-the-art camera trailer to enhance security at the city’s major events.

“Chief (David) Hyche and I are committed to enhancing the technology available to our officers, ensuring they have every tool and resource necessary to effectively deter, solve and prosecute crimes in our city,” said James Fuller, director of technology for the city of Calera.

The city’s new trailer is equipped with an off-the-grid system which is powered by solar energy and connected via cell signal. This allows the trailer to be set up anywhere without relying on traditional power sources.

“This mobile camera system along with our stationary cameras and tag readers both help prevent and solve crime,” Hyche said.

Currently, the Calera Police Department plans to deploy it strategically at Calera Main Street events, football games, baseball tournaments, parades and other large public gatherings. The trailer will provide dispatchers and officers with live video feeds for better coverage and rapid response times.

“The trailer’s flashing blue light serves as a visible deterrent to potential criminals, especially at night, while its high-tech cameras work 24/7 to monitor crowds and help us maintain order and safety,” read a press release from the city of Calera. “This is part of our growing Real Time Crime Center, that is being built as a joint effort with the city’s technology department, which is currently being developed thanks to a generous grant.”

According to the city, the new trailer will lead to more security at local events, more visibility for officers, increased deterrence for would-be criminals, real-time crime prevention and investigation and expanded coverage to complement the stationary cameras at Calera parks and city buildings.

“Our commitment to making our city safer is stronger than ever,” read a release from Calera. “In fact, studies have shown that mobile camera trailers can reduce crime by up to 50% at public events by acting as a visual deterrent and providing authorities with immediate evidence of criminal behavior.”

According to the release, the deployment of cameras in the city has already assisted in solving burglaries at concession stands as well as other incidents at city parks.

“We want our citizens to feel safe and secure, and in the event that something does happen, we’ll have the tools and resources needed to bring justice to those responsible,” read the release.