CSPD Camera Technology

A key part to the Colorado Springs Police Department's Real-Time Crime Center is camera integration. CSPD utilizes cameras from a variety of sources to make this happen, including department-owned cameras with Automated License Plate Reading Technology, and privately owned camera systems that businesses have voluntarily opted to share with the department through the Together COS Program.

Automated License Plate Reading Cameras and How They Are Used

Automated License Plate Reading Cameras, or ALPRs, are cameras located along public roadways with the sole purpose of capturing license plate information and vehicle-related features. CSPD ALPR cameras are stationary and cannot pan, tilt, or zoom. They do not record video or the occupants of vehicles. They only collect still images of license plates and vehicle characteristics.

ALPRs have assisted in solving serious crimes such as homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, and kidnappings. CSPD has been using ALPR technology under strict policies and in accordance with the United States Constitution and Colorado State Law since 2009.

ALPR images and data are not publicly accessible; all data collected is only shared with third parties upon request and only for official use. Any data found using an ALPR must be confirmed before taking any law enforcement action.

Below is an example image of what an ALPR camera captures.

Together COS Cameras

Together COS is a public safety program enabling the people of Colorado Springs to help keep their community safe.

Your voluntary participation will greatly enhance law enforcement’s ability to identify and hold responsible those individuals who victimize our community. You can participate in this program in one of two ways.

First, you can register with CSPD to inform us that you have surveillance cameras at your home. By informing us that you have cameras, it is easier for our officers to conduct follow-up investigations in a neighborhood where a crime occurred by contacting those who tell us they have cameras. An officer or detective can email everyone in the vicinity of the crime asking you to search your video for suspicious activity. If you find something related to the crime, you can upload the video directly to the link provided by the detective.

Second, as a business, you can purchase a Fusus core that will integrate your security cameras with CSPD. If a serious crime occurs at your facility, detectives will have instant access to review the video camera recordings. They will be able to download the video to use in their investigation. During some of the most serious crimes, like an active shooter situation, the police department will be able to live stream the cameras in order to help identify and locate the suspect.

Both of these options are only available to residents and businesses located within the City of Colorado Springs.

Technology Policy and Procedures

All technology CSPD uses is strictly governed by federal, state, and local laws, and all systems are used in a manner that is constitutionally sound. In addition, CSPD has several policies in place to guide the usage of each technology. All systems track use and are auditable. See below for a list of specific policies related to CSPD Technology use.