December 3, 2023
Policing with Cutting-Edge Technology Aids BHPD in Crime-Fighting and Has Been Instrumental With Several Investigations
Beverly Hills, Calif. – The Beverly Hills City Council has shown unwavering support in the establishment of the Real Time Watch Center (RTWC). Their foresight and commitment to community safety have been instrumental in empowering BHPD with advanced tools and technologies. Because of this support, BHPD stands at the forefront of innovation and is dedicated to creating a safer and more secure environment for its residents. Within the first year of the RTWC being established, it assisted in the arrest of 62 individuals and the recovery of 110 stolen vehicles. As stated by Chief of Police Mark G. Stainbrook, “Thank you, City Council, for your invaluable partnership in shaping the future of law enforcement."
The RTWC was established in June 2022 during the term of then-Mayor Lili Bosse. It is a network of approximately 2,400 CCTV cameras, 50 Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) placed in strategic locations, and a drone (Hawkeye). According to Chief Stainbrook, “Our main goal was to reduce our times for calls for service and interdict criminal activity. The bottom line is we always want to keep crime down in BH.” The result of this technology and the staff who utilize it is “precision policing,” and we aim to “arrest and stop the right people.”
The combined efforts of sworn police officers and civilian staff, fueled by the integration of cutting-edge technology, exemplify a modern approach to policing. This synergy not only enhances operational efficiency but also highlights BHPD’s commitment to public safety by leveraging innovation to stay ahead of evolving challenges and ensuring a proactive and responsive approach to law enforcement. In addition, this technology has allowed BHPD to assist federal and other state agencies with criminal investigations.
The following are success stories that highlight the collective efforts of the RTWC and the BHPD staff:
- November 28-29, 2023 - Serial Killer (LASD/LAPD) - Approximately 24 hours following a murder in the City of San Dimas, the suspect vehicle was identified by ALPR and was located in a coordinated response with the RTWC, police dispatch, and BHPD patrol officers as it drove through the City of Beverly Hills. Following the arrest, evidence discovered during the continued investigation revealed the arrestee is likely responsible for the deaths of three homeless persons in the City of Los Angeles.
- December 2022 - January 2023 - Triple Murder (West LAPD) – Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) provided a suspect vehicle description (no plates) and direction of travel. Via CCTV, the vehicle was observed entering an apartment building in Beverly Hills. Further CCTV review led to the discovery of the vehicle exiting the building with the license plate attached. The vehicle’s rental agreement provided RHD Detectives with the renter’s information, which ultimately led to the arrest of the suspects and execution of a search warrant of the apartment.
- November 23, 2022 - Robbery (RHD West LAPD) - A victim was followed from an office building in BH. RHD provided the victim vehicle information and the route of travel preceding the robbery. ALPR and CCTV confirmed the suspect vehicle, along with an additional suspect vehicle, and video evidence of both suspect vehicles following the victim was discovered.
If you have information about criminal activity in the City of Beverly Hills, you are encouraged to call the Beverly Hills Police Department at 310-285-2125. If you would like to remain anonymous, text TIP BHPDALERT followed by the tip information to 888777. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. To access Crime Stoppers, download the "P3 Tips" Mobile APP or use the website http://www.lacrimestoppers.org.
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Lieutenant Reginald Evans
Public Information Officer
mediarelations@beverlyhills.org
24-Hour Watch Commander
(310) 285-2125
