Fort Lauderdaleunveiled a new video surveillance vehicle dubbed “The Peacemaker.” The truck, formerly a Brinks armored vehicle, was acquired by the police department for $10 on what is being termed a “strategic partnership” with Brinks and will provide 24-hour video recording capabilities.
“The purpose of 'The Peacemaker' is to enhance the police presence in high-crime areas throughout the city," Fort Lauderdale Detective Travis Mandell told the Broward Palm Beach New Times. “Whereas standard patrol vehicles can only drive through neighborhoods, 'The Peacemaker' can be stationed in front of suspected drug houses, nuisance properties, and other problem areas throughout the city.”
According to the Sun Sentinel, video will be analyzed for criminal investigations and retained in accordance with a general records schedule for state and local government agencies, a minimum of 30 days.
“Beginning Aug. 27, it will have its first assignment: to monitor Saturday youth football games at city parks for ‘Operation End Zone’ when the agency hopes to quash illegal gambling, drinking and drug sales that were described in an ESPN.com story earlier this year,” the Sun Sentinel reported.