Target Corporation has teamed up with the city of Hyattsville to implement the 'Safe City' Initiative in 3 key commercial districts within the community; East-West Hwy and the Mall at Prince Georges, the Hamilton Street Business District, and US Route 1. The plan involves an increase in video surveillance and integration of existing privately owned cameras into a single network for real-time monitoring by police, emergency callboxes, a citizen alert network, the purchase of Segway transporters for officers assigned to these districts, and other technological enhancements.

The city has allocated $250,000 in the FY08 budget to implement the program, but some large outside grants have been awarded and others are being sought to reduce the cost to taxpayers.

The program is reported to have reduced crime in the areas where it has been implemented.

Info on Safe City from Target

Washington Post Article on Target's Law Enforcement Work

Safe City Strategic Plan Created (and First Implemented) in Minneapolis

Boston Mayor's Office Press Releases about Safe City Alert Network

Citizen Observer - Service used to Implement Boston's Safe City Alert Network

Safe City in Flint, MI

The Diane Rehm Show Discusses Surveillance Cameras