LASD opens new 'Real Time Watch Center' in Calabasas

The L.A. County Sheriff's Department cut the ribbon Friday on a 'Real Time Watch Center' with the hope of improving public safety.

As its name suggests, the Real Time Watch Center at the Malibu Lost Hills Station in Calabasas will live-stream footage during emergencies using public-facing cameras owned by people and businesses.

Captain Jennifer Seeto says the center is a pilot program for now, but it will keep the public and deputies safe.

"We can look at those cameras, and we can say, 'Oh, you know what? No, that was just the manager,' or we can tell the deputies...a burglary is happening now, and... we can let them know if there are any weapons. That way, deputies get there safer quicker and protect the community," Captain Seeto said.

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L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the technology will also be used to help battle wildfires, making it the first operating center in the nation where fire and law will work together.

"It gives us immediate access to live streams from multiple video sources throughout the Santa Monica Mountain region," Chief Marrone said. "This real-time data allows for situational awareness prior to and during emergencies. This is very important as we remain vigilant and prepared for the inevitable wildfires that we have seen this summer and will experience in the coming fall months when our dangerous Santa Ana winds return."

The center, which is privately funded, already has more than 1,500 cameras registered and more than 400 integrated into its system, all of which are being used with informed consent from the people who own them.

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