The Pinehurst Police Department is adding new technology designed to improve officer safety and strengthen emergency response during high-risk situations.
The Pinehurst Village Council has unanimously approved a one-time purchase of two omnidirectional tactical camera systems from Bounce Imaging. The equipment will give officers the ability to safely see inside rooms or confined spaces before entering during dangerous calls.
New Tool for High-Risk Emergencies
The tactical camera system works with multiple camera sensors that provide a 360-degree field of view. Officers can deploy the device and receive live video through Wi-Fi, 4G, or a mobile network connection.
According to Pinehurst Police Chief Glenn Webb, department training identified a need for better forward observation and communication during active shooter incidents, barricaded suspect calls, suicidal person calls, hostage situations, and other high-risk emergencies.
Webb said the department currently lacks the ability to safely see into rooms and communicate with potential suspects before entering a scene. The new technology is intended to help close that gap.
Designed for Safety and De-Escalation
In addition to providing live video, the system includes a communication feature that allows officers to speak with people inside a scene. It can also support communication in multiple languages.
Police officials say the purpose of the equipment is to create more distance and more time during tense situations. That added reaction gap can help protect officers, civilians, and anyone involved in a high-stress emergency.
The technology is also expected to create more opportunities for de-escalation by allowing officers to assess a situation and communicate before making direct contact.
Cost and Deployment
The two camera systems will cost a total of $14,010, with each unit priced at just over $7,000.
Village officials say Bounce Imaging is considered a sole-source provider because the patented technology is a standalone product with no direct equivalent on the market.
Chief Webb plans to deploy one camera system with patrol units and the other with detectives.
What This Means for Pinehurst
Village Manager Doug Willardson said the department hopes the equipment will not be needed often, but it could be valuable in serious situations such as hostage incidents or barricaded subject calls.
For Pinehurst residents, the purchase represents another investment in public safety and emergency preparedness. Village leaders say the goal is to give officers better tools to respond safely while also improving outcomes for the public.
As law enforcement agencies continue adapting to new challenges, technology like tactical cameras can play an important role in helping officers make safer, better-informed decisions.
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