Launched in 2007, Operation Shield is an initiative of the Atlanta Police Foundation and the Atlanta Police Department (APD) to generate effective communication between the APD and both the public and private sectors and create a force multiplier for crime prevention and emergency preparedness. Through the Operation Shield Video Integration Center (VIC), APD officers are able to use software to monitor video feeds from both public and private sector cameras.

Safe City initiatives typically start with the integration of security video. In most cases the cameras are operated by the police department or other local government entities such as Departments of Transportation, or Emergency Operations Centers.

Through the VIC, private-sector enterprises can join the program for a small licensing fee, and tie their exterior surveillance cameras into the VIC network. Or, if they prefer, enterprises (especially small businesses or residential complexes) can lease a camera from the police department or another proprietary business.