CLEVELAND — The Jewish Federation of Cleveland has launched a new technology-based community monitoring program, the group announced in a news release on Tuesday.
JFC Security, LLC, is directly linked to a 24-hour emergency communications center. "The system – which utilizes more than 700 sophisticated, 360-degree view security cameras and 26 automated license plate readers – provides a live feed to the communications center, where trained security personnel watch for suspicious behavior or anomalies to typical day-to-day activities," the news release said.
The system was created and implemented by JFC Security, and is a first of its kind in the U.S. It comprises Jewish institutions across Northeast Ohio.
“The creation of this system is part of our ongoing efforts to help keep Jewish Cleveland open, welcoming, and safe to all in the face of growing Jew hatred and antisemitic violence in our society,” said Keith Libman, chair of the Cleveland Federation’s Security Committee. “This advanced system transforms passive security cameras into a real-time monitoring tool. When it comes to community security, it is always better to ‘review and rule out’ than ‘respond’ after the fact.”
The security system, modeled after similar systems currently being used in various European cities, was recently featured at the 2022 National Homeland Security Conference.
“Our new system accelerates the two-way communications with law enforcement at a time when Jewish institutions and lives are under a greater threat,” said Oren Baratz, Federation’s senior vice president of external affairs. “It’s a natural complement to the extensive safety training we do throughout the community.”
Editor's Note: The following video is from an unrelated story.
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