Edina Crime Prevention Funds Used for Mobile Pro Defender

The Edina (Minnesota) Police Department recently used a donation of $47,150 from the Edina Crime Prevention Fund to purchase a Mobile Pro Defender to deter crime through remote monitoring of areas where utility and communication services are limited or non-existent.

“The Edina Crime Prevention Fund is made up of residents and groups within the city that take steps to prevent crime through funding tools and resources for items that are not in the budget for the Police Department,” said Edina Crime Prevention Fund President Jon Barnett. “We asked ‘what does the Department need, and how can the Fund help?’ They brought us the budget and pitch for the new mobile camera system.”

This has been a tool desired by the Department because of its versatility and ability to address crime with new, more effective technological means. The system has the ability to sync or collaborate with other pieces of tech, improving the effectiveness and reach of monitoring. The system’s mobility also allows use at special events such as the Edina Art Fair, 4th of July parade and Fall into the Arts Festival.

“It’s a mobile data collection platform that can be outfitted with cameras, audio, speed-monitoring devices, license plate readers and more,” said Lt. Timothy Olson. “The Department plans to use this tool where crime has been documented or is a concern, as well as at special events. It has the ability to stream audio and video remotely, so we can monitor events from squad cars or in the dispatch center.”

The department also featured the new Defender system in their September Beyond the Badge segment on local Edina Channel 16.