WASHINGTON, DC and FALLS CHURCH, VA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/31/14 -- Kastle Systems, Washington, DC's Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and prominent Washington area real estate firms launched Capital Shield today, a partnership that allows MPD direct access to an interconnected network of private security cameras, floor plans and other critical information in business locations across the city. Enabling MPD with direct access to a large new pool of video cameras and building information in times of crisis allows first responders to quickly gain the situational awareness required for responding to serious threats. The launch of Capital Shield is a culmination of nearly three years of collaboration between Kastle Systems and MPD who share the goal of creating a safe and more secure Nation's Capital. To catalyze the initiative, Kastle is donating 1,000 new security cameras to any real estate owner in the city that wants to participate in the program. Douglas Development, Vornado Realty Trust, PN Hoffman, First Potomac Realty Trust, The Tower Companies and Tishman Speyer are the inaugural participants in the Capital Shield program partnering in 60 locations to start.
Kastle is the founding partner of Capital Shield having deployed select test sites already with an additional 300 cameras expected to come online in the first phase. "Through this innovative public-private partnership, Capital Shield will significantly increase the public safety of our Nation's Capital. There are thousands of existing cameras that should be made accessible to our police in times of need and this program will add thousands more over time," said Kastle Systems owner and DC area native Mark Ein. "The role of video security has never been more important or more evident in cities across the country. Modern video technology saves lives, catches criminals, deters crime, and accomplishes something that we all value -- a safer city. Kastle is proud of the role we are playing to help DC."
"As owners in Washington, DC, our company supports the goal of a safe and secure city. Vornado is delighted to be an inaugural participant and to work with Kastle on the Capital Shield program to make a positive and lasting contribution to DC," said Patrick Tyrrell, Chief Operating Officer of Vornado/Charles E. Smith. "The very presence of Capital Shield will make our buildings safer for our tenants, our residents, and our surrounding communities."
"Video is a force multiplier for MPD," said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. "It gives us an extra set of eyes by allowing us to provide much needed situational awareness. The Capital Shield program is an important new step in working with private enterprise to enhance public safety throughout the city. I would like to extend a special thanks to our inaugural members and to Kastle for its donation to help the city make this a reality"
About Capital Shield
Capital Shield is a public-private partnership that unites the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with commercial property owners, businesses and institutions around a common goal to protect the city. Through this program, participants can help enhance public safety by providing the MPD with direct access to their security cameras. This enables first responders to quickly gain the situational awareness required to most effectively assist and respond to major security events and emergency situations. For more information, visit www.capitalshield.org.
About Kastle Systems
Kastle Systems has been leading the security industry for more than 40 years with new technologies and advanced security solutions. Kastle operates and manages security systems for its clients remotely, around-the-clock. Currently, Kastle protects over 10,000 locations nationwide and internationally today. Kastle's innovative outsourced security services significantly reduce costs and improve the critically important, 24/7 performance of security systems for building owners, developers and tenants. Kastle Video systems deliver the latest advancements in monitored video solutions, including high-definition cameras, cloud-enabled network recording and cutting-edge video analytics. Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia Kastle is the largest security company in DC according to the Washington Business Journal. Kastle Systems also has offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Sydney, Australia. To learn more about Kastle's security solutions, visit www.kastle.com or call 1-855-527-8531.
CONTACT:
Julie Johnson
Kastle Systems
703.247.0241
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