JACKSON — Hinds County officials announced Friday that the county will implement a new camera-sharing initiative that will connect law enforcement, emergency dispatchers and participating neighborhoods through a network of surveillance cameras aimed at reducing crime and improving emergency response.
County leaders said the partnership between Hinds County, Eagle Eye Networks and RapidSOS is among the first of its kind in the nation, combining real-time camera access with emergency communications technology.
A dispatcher at Hinds County EOC demonstrates the new camera system.The program currently includes 72 solar-powered cameras installed at entrances to neighborhoods throughout Hinds County. Officials said law enforcement officers and 911 dispatchers can access live camera feeds, allowing them to monitor multiple locations simultaneously and respond more quickly to criminal activity and emergencies.
“This collaboration aims to add a level of security for our citizens, provide law enforcement with an additional tool to reduce crime, enhance officer safety and give investigators another method to use to solve crimes,” Hinds County Board President Robert Graham said during a news conference.
Under the initiative, dispatchers will be able to view cameras located within 1,000 feet of a caller if the camera is connected to the system. Officials said the technology could allow first responders to assess incidents in real time and dispatch resources before additional information is relayed through 911 calls.
Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones said the camera network will serve as both a proactive and reactive crime-fighting tool.
“As crimes happen and technology evolves, we need the best tools and to be able to be equipped with things necessary to address crime, address criminal activity and public safety,” Jones said.
State Rep. Justis Gibbs credited state funding with helping launch the project. Gibbs said a $50,000 appropriation secured in 2024 helped establish what he described as Mississippi’s first state-sponsored solar surveillance project. He said more than seven neighborhoods were selected for the initial deployment and that participating areas have seen decreases in property-related offenses.
Gibbs also noted that a proposed $100,000 expansion of the program was approved by the Mississippi Legislature this year but was later vetoed by Gov. Tate Reeves.
Officials emphasized that participation in the camera-sharing network is voluntary and can include businesses, schools, houses of worship, neighborhoods and residents who choose to participate.
Questions about privacy and security were raised during the news conference. Graham said access to the system is controlled by county officials and protected through security measures provided by Eagle Eye Networks and RapidSOS.
The cameras differ from many traditional surveillance systems because they are solar-powered and do not require internet connectivity, according to county officials.
The Town of Terry has already been using similar technology. Terry Police Chief Anthony Moore said the town became the first law enforcement agency in Mississippi to deploy the solar camera system in 2024 and has since used the cameras to help solve crimes, including a recent hit-and-run investigation.
County officials said they hope to expand the camera network and eventually connect additional law enforcement agencies throughout Hinds County and the Jackson metro area.
