The American Airlines Center is joining a growing network of surveillance cameras connected to the Dallas Police Department, a move officials said will strengthen public safety in one of the city’s busiest entertainment centers.
It’s known as the Fusus camera network and police have been using it for about two years to help give officers real-time updates and information about an emergency as it is happening.
“This is a game changer for us,” Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said. “It gives our officers a clear picture of what’s happening before they even arrive.”
For example, if a robbery happens at a gas station, and the clerk presses the panic button, the 911 operator can see the business through the cameras, and alert the Real-Time Crime Center – as officers make their way to the scene.
DPD said the program has already connected about 40 businesses and between 1,000 and 1,500 cameras across the city. The goal now is to grow that number significantly. The Catholic Diocese of Dallas, The Jewish Federation of Dallas, and Quick Trip are all partners within the system.
“Our security has been enhanced many times over with the relationship that we have with Dallas Police,” Bill Keffler, Chief Operating Officer with the Diocese of Dallas said. “We consider ourselves as a participant in the program, as taking the measures to protect our schools, parishes, and all of our parishioners that we have at the Dallas Diocese.”
For ACC, the partnership means pushing their top priorities of safety and security.
“Our partnership with Dallas Police is critical to maintaining a secure environment for our guests, employees, performers, and partners,” said Marco Villareal, vice president of Security Operations for American Airlines Center. “By working toward integration with the Connect Dallas program, we are enhancing our security infrastructure, improving situation awareness, and strengthening emergency response capabilities throughout AAC in the Victory Park community.”
DPD is urging more businesses and residents to participate in the program, either by integrating their cameras directly or registering them with the department. Registered cameras are not monitored live but can help investigators quickly locate potential video evidence after a crime. Participation is voluntary, and property owners can decide how much access to provide. They can either allow live viewing or limit access to just emergencies or specific incidents.
As the network grows, officials say the focus remains on faster response times, better information for officers, and stronger collaboration between law enforcement and the community.
