Case Studies: City of Pico Rivera
The Power of Netwatch’s Proactive Video Monitoring: Pico Rivera Success Story
Case Details
Clients: Pico Rivera Golf Club
Market: Municipal
Solution: Proactive Video Monitoring
Results: Reduced theft and increased safety
Region: Western United States
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Introduction
The City of Pico Rivera, located in the heart of Southern California, is a community committed to providing safe, well-maintained public facilities for its residents and the wider community. Pico Rivera is located in southeastern Los Angeles County, Calif. With a population of 62,088, it is situated approximately 11 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, and on the southern edge of the area known as the San Gabriel Valley. Formed by merging two historic communities, Pico and Rivera, the city was officially incorporated in January 1958 as the 61st city in Los Angeles County. Originally an agricultural area, the community evolved into a residential and industrial area following the end of World War II.
Challenge:
Pico Rivera Golf Club offers golfers a well-maintained 9-hole course nestled in the heart of Southern California, featuring manicured greens, strategically placed bunkers, and scenic views catering to seasoned players and amateur golfers. But the course was increasingly seen as a ripe opportunity for thieves who targeted its golf carts. Frequent acts of vandalism, theft of golf carts and club car parts disrupted operations and resulted in significant economic impacts. The golf course’s location — near river bends and areas known for homeless encampments — also made it particularly vulnerable to security and safety issues, especially during late-night hours when the facility was closed.
Traditional security measures, such as hiring security guards, had been tried but proved expensive and unreliable. On several occasions, security guards could not effectively monitor the entire area or respond to incidents in real time. It became clear that the city required a different solution that could offer round-the-clock vigilance without breaking the city’s budget.
In a time when economic pressures are creating opportunities for criminal activity, the city’s approach to integrating technology with traditional law enforcement is proving to be a forward-thinking strategy.
Steve Carmona
The PVM Solution: Maximizing Coverage and Efficiency
As a strong proponent of leveraging technology for public safety, city leadership decided to pilot a new approach by deploying Netwatch, a comprehensive AI-enabled video remote system that could not only detect incidents but even stop crime from happening in the first place.
Netwatch offers intelligent video monitoring services that help ensure safer, secure environments. It goes beyond standard video monitoring — it’s an active, immediate deterrent. The solution’s video intelligence software detects security incidents and alerts Netwatch operators — manning stations from a central monitoring center. These operators then communicate directly with the intruders by identifying information, such as what they are wearing and their location, and urge them to vacate the premises. This immediate, live response significantly reduces the opportunity for potential threats to escalate and enhances the site’s overall security posture.
Results from Implementing Netwatch Proactive Video Monitoring
The system’s ability to issue live voice warnings to potential intruders made it clear that the golf course was no longer an easy target. If individuals did not heed the warnings and leave the premises, the sheriff’s department was promptly dispatched to handle the situation. This combination of immediate deterrence and swift law enforcement response created a strong deterrent effect. Word quickly spread that the golf course was leveraging a new type of technology to secure its premises, leading to a significant reduction in incidents.
The success at the golf course was just the beginning. Encouraged by the initial positive results, the city decided to expand the use of Netwatch to other locations across Pico Rivera. The decision was made to replace these systems with Netwatch, expanding coverage to the Public Works Yard, the multifunctional building used by the Water Department and the Sheriff’s Office, and other critical facilities. Public parks, which had also experienced their share of vandalism and unauthorized activities, were also added to the expansion list.
The growth of the Netwatch system was carefully measured against the potential cost savings and the value of protecting public assets. A cost-benefit analysis revealed that the city was spending approximately $377,000 annually on security guards, while the implementation of the Netwatch camera system came at a substantially lower cost of $134,000. The difference was striking, and it showcased the financial soundness of moving towards the technology-driven solution.
Customer Reviews of the Case
By partnering with Netwatch, Pico Rivera is delivering on its promise to protect its community while setting an example for other cities facing similar challenges.