Kukota Ekaterina Kate
In the heart of Fort Worth, a new chapter in the city’s commitment to public safety is unfolding, and it’s not just about shining lights in the dark corners of crime. It’s about strategically placing over 1,200 eyes in the sky — security cameras that promise to keep Fort Worth’s streets a little safer, a little more watchful, and a whole lot smarter. Welcome to the Citywide Camera Project, an ambitious, tech-savvy endeavor aimed at strengthening the bond between the people and their city’s law enforcement.
This isn’t your average, cookie-cutter surveillance system. The Citywide Camera Project, fueled by the city’s forward-thinking Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), is a tale of cutting-edge technology meeting real-world, immediate needs. The cameras — equipped with high-tech, pan-tilt-zoom capabilities and license plate readers — don’t just capture footage; they send real-time data straight to officers who can act swiftly when an incident unfolds, according to the city’s website. It’s a level of precision that turns the tide for both crime prevention and the investigation process.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Instead of outsourcing, Fort Worth’s own technicians — many of them former officers — have built and maintained these cameras in-house. A decision that’s been a win-win for everyone. In 2024 alone, the city’s team saved a staggering $1.5 million by constructing 223 cameras themselves rather than purchasing them from vendors. It’s a little bit of that hometown ingenuity that allows the city to execute over 1,600 camera deployments, repairs, and extractions every year, making sure no detail is left unchecked.
Every camera is a careful decision. Weekly, the Fort Worth Police Department pores over the trends — figuring out where the real risks are and placing cameras in those spots. It’s about more than just crime stats; it’s about anticipating where the next problem might occur, and preparing for it. From the crowded streets of the Stockyards to the buzzing activity of West Seventh Street, these cameras are always on the lookout, especially during big events when crowds gather and chaos could strike.
But it doesn’t stop there. The project is also funding mobile camera trailers, giving the city the ability to move surveillance where it’s most needed, whether it’s a special event or an area that’s seeing an uptick in criminal activity. Flexibility meets foresight.
Looking ahead, the future of this project is clear. The goal remains to push the limits of technology while keeping it cost-effective. In 2025, the city plans to build an additional 150 to 200 cameras to replace aging ones and expand it’s watch over Fort Worth’s streets. Each new camera, a small but mighty piece of the bigger puzzle to make this city a safer place for everyone.
In the end, this is more than just a camera project. It’s a living, breathing story of a city stepping into the future, armed with the right tools and a sense of duty to its people. A future where the streets are a little brighter, a little safer, and always watched.
