LBPD Has Live Video Mobile Security Cams Deployed on 2nd St. (As on New Year's Eve) To Enable Rapid Response If Needed For St. Patrick's Day Crowds

(Mar. 17, 2011) -- Just as on New Year's Eve, LBPD has live video mobile security cameras deployed at locations along Second Street in Belmont Shore...as St. Patrick's Day may draw large crowds...and large crowds can sometimes trigger situations that require a rapid LBPD response.

An LBReport.com reader reported to us today (Mar. 17) that a unit (like the one in the Dec. 2011 file photo below) is parked across the street from Panama Joes [by our reckoning that would put it in at about 5100 E. 2nd St. near Granada Ave.]

December, 2011 file photo along 2nd St. in Belmont Shore. Photo credit: Ryan MacCaskey

These live mobile security camera units are owned by the Port of Long Beach and were loaned to LBPD when crowds were expected for New Year's Eve...and are deployed for use tonight on 2nd. St. for crowds expected on St. Patrick's Day. LBPD says the cameras are on a trailer that can be strategically parked where needed; the cameras transmit live video back to a Command Post, which monitors the images and can quickly send officers where they'll be most effective.

"The cameras are there for public safety in areas where we know we'll have large crowds gathered in one place." East Division Commander Michael Beckman told LBReport.com in December...and added that LBPD is doing what it can to use technology to maximize its resources.

3rd dist. Councilman Gary DeLong commented to LBReport.com in December: "Long Beach residents are fortunate to have a Police Chief who takes advantage of new technology to continue to increase the effectiveness of our Police Department and is always seeking new methods of maximizing his resources."

In December, LBPD also had a mobile live video unit in the downtown area; we're not sure if one is deployed there tonight; if you spot one, send us an email pic and we'll add it here: mail@LBReport.com.

The mobile live video cameras were also used by LBPD during OccupyLongBeach protests last year at the Port of LB.