The latest version of this deck is here https://www.slideshare.net/rishi59/the-saratoga-neighborhood-surveillance-camera-initiative THe FAQ and Process to Saratoga's Neighborhood Surveillance Camera - by the Safe Saratoga Citizen's committee

1. Deck by Rishi Kumar
Email: Rishi<at>Rishikumar.com
Version: July 11, 2017

2. #1 FAQ that explains this project
#2 Steps for a neighborhood to get started
#3 MPOWR’s explanation of their solution
You will need to spend between 15-30 minutes
reviewing this deck

4. • Since June 2016, Councilmember Kumar has
rolled out/initiated 40+ Neighborhood Safety
Watch programs in Saratoga
– Check out the list at www.RishiKumar.com/nsw
• The Neighborhood Surveillance Camera initiative
has been launched to provide an additional
safety deterrent for these established
Neighborhood Safety Watch programs

5. • This is NOT a city of Saratoga sponsored project
• This Neighborhood Surveillance Camera initiative has to
be sponsored by the neighborhood and their participating
residents – completely at their will and discretion
– It is an optional project for the neighborhood, only launched
after consensus and dialogue amongst neighbors
– Neighborhood leaders drive it to suit their specific needs
• Safe Saratoga Citizen’s committee is only facilitating the
process for interested neighborhoods
– The onus is upon the neighborhood leadership to engage,
understand the recommended framework and push forward

6. • There is no perfect solution in the market – neither is this
• This is a solution based upon a combination of reasonably priced
hardware (camera) and software that is custom built to provide
the safety deterrent for our neighborhood in a simple, easily
managed approach
• We recommend that you conduct your investigation before
picking a solution for your neighborhood that works best for your
needs
• Our current solution may have some limitations; we hope you
truly take the time to review this deck and ask questions after
• New iterations of the software will provide enhanced capability

9. • An initiative launched by Saratoga Councilmember Rishi
Kumar
• Safe Saratoga Citizens Committee SSCC is a Saratoga citizens
group focused on Saratoga’s safety, adopting best practices
and innovating to enhance the safety of our community
• Objective is to propagate and inculcate best practices within
our neighborhoods and community towards a safer Saratoga,
providing residents the ability to collaborate and innovate
• Subscribe
– Email group https://groups.google.com/group/SafeSaratoga
– FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SafeSaratoga

10. • This committee create an opportunity for citizen collaboration by forming
working sub-committee focus groups, distributing work tasks and innovating
towards Saratoga’s Safety.
• This committee has discussed various innovative/collaborative approaches to
enhance the safety of our neighborhood. What has emerged is these few
sub-committees, establishing leadership to innovate with specific areas. See
the list of sub-committees below

11. • Visit www.RishiKumar.com/tips

13. • Cameras are an effective and a proven tool to drop
crime; a statistically proven fact
– An opportunity to add an layer of safety to an established
Neighborhood Safety Watch program
• Examples: California cities such as Lafayette, Orinda,
Moraga, Fremont
• Here is a deck that shows success with crime
reduction after installation of surveillance cameras
http://www.slideshare.net/rishi59/moraga-
surveillance-camera

14. (Thanks MPOWR for this list)
• Deters criminal activity – capture mail theft, package theft, vandalism
• Makes neighborhoods safer – identify reckless drivers, criminal
profilers
• Addresses quality of life issues, and mutual interests of the
community
• Works collaboratively with other civic and community activities
• Creates a greater sense of security and reduces fear of crime
• Builds bonds with neighbors and stimulates awareness
• Reduces the physical, financial, and psychological costs of crime
• Enables residents to capture, report suspicious activities in
communities
• Offers post-incident resources for victims of crime

15. • Neighborhood collaborative initiative
– This deck provides an option towards this
• Home owner initiative
– Many of our Saratoga neighbors are installing
cameras to monitor their homes
– Check out product recommendations at
www.RishiKumar.com/tips
• Currently there isn’t a city council policy for
City sponsored cameras in Saratoga

16. • Install surveillance cameras at the entrance of established
“Neighborhood Safety Watch” neighborhoods
• Neighbors participate by chipping in fair share portion of the overall
expense
• 24 x 7 x 365 Monitoring of Neighborhood
• Video/still images only available to law enforcement upon occurrence
of crime
• Cameras are meant to be a deterrent
– Will not typically succeed in catching criminals before the act
– Neighborhoods may not be a target if surveillance cameras are
visible and signs display their presence
– Some criminals may be caught after the crime as a result of
captured video/ still images
• Facilitated by “Safe Saratoga Citizens Committee”

17. • Getting neighborhood feedback before moving forward
is critical for the success of this project
• A neighborhood meeting is the best way to get this
project started and getting feedback from neighbors
• Posting a project description on the neighborhood
email group will typically get a few responses from
neighbors with their thoughts and ideas
– A proposed verbiage is at www.RishiKumar.com/pilot
– NOTE: Not everyone takes the time to respond via email or
express their thoughts. Just a few emails of support for the
project may be a trigger for a neighborhood to organize a
neighborhood meeting towards moving forward.

18. • Camera purchase is an investment by the neighborhood –
the neighbors own it
• Axis P1427-LE 5MP Outdoor Bullet Camera
– 2592 x 1944 Resolution at 12 fps  2.5x HD
– Up to 50' of Night Vision
– Ethernet Connection with PoE Technology
– IP66 and NEMA 4X Rated for Outdoor Use
• Amazon Cloud hosting for video/still images by
http://mpowr.us/
• Safe and secure amazon cloud separate instances for data
privacy
– Mpowr.us is the Saratoga company providing the video/images
storage and the software capability for this effort

19. Security
Camera
Home
Router
Home Computer
What is the System Architecture?

20. • This project started as a volunteer effort by a group of
Saratogans with domain expertise
– They spent hundreds of hours volunteering for this project
and investing their personal funds
– To protect themselves from liability, they decided to
formulate a LLC, leading to formation of MPOWR
• MPOWR provides the cloud hosting and the software
capability for this neighborhood surveillance camera
system
• Details at www.mpowr.us
• Please scroll to the MPOWR section in this deck for
details

21. • Explained through the course of this
presentation

22. • MPOWR breakout of charges
– Hardware: $980/camera
• 1 Axis P1427-LE 5MP Outdoor Bullet Camera
• 1 Power + MPOWR Data connection box pre-configured/setup
– Annual Maintenance: $100/camera
• Camera and Cloud maintenance
– Installation
• Depends on the neighborhood’s requirements
Total due at the time of installation = Hardware + Maintenance + Installation Costs
• Deliverables
① Live video from all cameras in the neighborhood
② Preview & Download video and images from any neighborhood camera for 7 days
③ Videos up to 30 days will be provided upon request
④ 12 requests for video/images per year (for all cameras installed)

23. • MPOWR breakout of charges
– Hardware: $980/camera
• 1 Axis P1427-LE 5MP Outdoor Bullet Camera
• 1 Power + MPOWR Data connection box pre-configured/setup
– Annual Maintenance: $0/camera
• Camera and Cloud maintenance
– Installation
• Depends on the neighborhood’s requirements
Total due at the time of installation = Hardware + Installation Costs
• Deliverables
① Live video from all cameras in the neighborhood
② Preview (No downloads) video and images from any neighborhood camera for 7
days
③ Videos up to 30 days will be provided upon request @ $100 Per request (for all
cameras installed)

24. • This is applicable for Saratoga hillside that have network bandwidth
issues.
• The camera in this case needs to be powered (since you are not
using the powered by ethernet option)
• We have an option to use LTE network, a box + camera that will
provide you remote download of the camera content when needed.
• You have a monthly subscription with Verizon or a provider like
Verizon, or you can only turn on subscription only when you need
to download. The SD card is 32GB inside the camera (and not easy
to remove once inside), that is why we need a remote download.
• The breakout of expense involves camera + LTE box + any LTE
service fee to Verizon + MPOWR charges
• MPOWR team will explain details to the neighborhood upon
request

25. • This is completely funded by the neighbors from
the neighborhood. The process is explained
further down the deck
• A City of Saratoga Neighborhood Safety Watch grant may be used
towards this purpose
– Neighborhoods will need to apply for this grant
– Limited to $300/neighborhood
– Limited to only established and registered Neighborhood Safety
Watch Saratoga groups. Contact Rishi if you are interested in
launching your Neighborhood Safety Watch group
– Details soon at http://www.saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe

26. • MPOWR will backup your video/images data on the
cloud and will provide you access depending on the
option you sign up for
• Please review the FAQ at http://www.mpowr.us for
the details.

27. • Neighborhood should establish a bank account or a
paypal account and collect payment from every
neighbor interested in participating
• Details explained in following slides

28. • They are typically placed at a home(s) at the entrance of the
neighborhood to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic.
• Cameras will NEVER be pointed towards homes – it will pointed to
the entrance of the neighborhood monitoring traffic
• The power/internet is provided by a home owner(s) at the
entrance who is supportive of this project
• Cameras can be potentially placed on the Safety Watch sign post
already planted by the city upon approval by Saratoga’s Public
Works Director
• With an encroachment permit, cameras can be professionally and
safely mounted on public right of way (upon approval by
Saratoga’s Public Works Director)
• The neighborhood can decide to place it at other locations within
the neighborhood also, as decided by the Neighborhood Camera
Committee

29. • City of Saratoga now has a policy that allows
Home Owners Association (HOAs) to get an
encroachment permit from the city and install
the camera on the public right of way
– Please contact Saratoga Staff Crystal Bothelio
cbothelio@saratoga.ca.us for details

30. • We are capturing video and high res still
images based upon specific motion triggers,
with established pre and post triggers to
ensure we capture meaningful data
• These motion triggers are specific to a focus
area where the camera is pointed, tweaked
based upon neighborhood input etc.

31. • When there is a crime incident, a request will
be made by the resident impacted to the
neighborhood administrators for a specific
time range of video footage
• The video / still images will be provided to
Saratoga sheriff by the administrators
• Data is shared only upon the occurrence of
crime activity and only with the Sheriff team –
as per the terms and conditions

32. • Neighborhood leaders can work with the
MPOWR team
– The MPOWR team typically gets involved in orienting,
placing and pointing the camera for maximum impact
• Installation of the camera is on a neighbor’s
home accessing the internet/power as needed
• HOAs can get a city of Saratoga encroachment
permit and install the camera on “Public Right of
Way” as needed for monitoring of their
neighborhood
– See details of this permit further ahead in this deck

33. • The recommended camera is powered by
ethernet
• We may or may not need a power source for
the install

34. • Video/ still images are only available to designated
neighborhood administrators
– Not everyone gets access
– Anyone can request access*
• As per terms and conditions that every participating
neighbor signs on, the data from these cameras is only
available for law enforcement and crime incidents
– Explicit agreement to terms and conditions by participating
neighbors is recommended
*Requests can only be made by neighbors based upon
specific crime activity

35. • It is recommended that cameras are visible - there is little
value in camouflaging them as they are meant to be
deterrents
• We also recommend putting up “ This area under surveillance”
signs in the neighborhood
– This is optional and left to the neighborhood to decide upon a
sign/ no sign
– Remember, you want to have deterrents, and such a sign only
serves as a deterrent, along with a “Neighborhood Safety
Watch” sign for example
• The neighborhood can add signs to existing city post (some) as
long as there is 7 ft of clearance between the ground and the
bottom of the sign.
• There are many websites that you can explore for these signs
• http://www.mysecuritysign.com/Shoplifting-Signs/Activities-
Monitered-By-Video-Camera-Sign/SKU-K-1099.aspx

37. • Mpowr.us is handling this aspect of the system
• Mpowr provides this as a service for the neighborhood and will
charge a monthly fee
• Amazon Cloud hosting for video/still images by
http://mpowr.us/
• Safe and secure amazon cloud separate instances for data
privacy
• MPOWR can potentially consider alternate systems for the
neighborhood based upon request, but currently not part of
the system architecture
– DVR
– SD Card
– Other options

38. • Images and videos are loaded to secure
Amazon cloud instances dedicated for the
neighborhood
• There is NO DVR needed for this system
configuration

39. • Mpowr provides this as a service for the neighborhood and will
charge a monthly fee
• Version 1.0 (Dec 2016)
– Capture video + still images on specific motion triggers
– Administrators have ability to quickly scan through stills and video images
– 7 Days worth of data available to administrators
– 30 days archived and available upon request from Mpowr.us
– Pre and post motion triggers
– Ability to download video file in small sized chunks
• Currently part of the software roadmap – in progress
– Night time vision
– License plate readers
– Form to request video data, notify administrators via the workflow
– Smart Phone access

40. • Mpowr.US team is currently working on
the problem
– This capability will be enhanced with
version 1.1 of the software
• Preferring using one camera for day time
and night time images; minimize system
complexity
– There is a possibility an additional 2nd
camera for night time vision may be
needed
• Image to the right is capture from a mail
theft incident that was sent over to our
sheriff. This is what it looks like today

41. • Feature is not available currently
• The software capability is currently being
worked on by MPOWR (part of version 1.2)

42. • HOA/ Neighborhood team should take steps
to protect themselves from any liability
• Terms and Conditions for participation should
be clearly defined for everyone by the
neighborhood leaders
• See sample T&Cs later in the deck

43. • The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with
CrimeReports.com. for reported crimes in your area.
CrimeReports.com hosts a Camera Registration Program.
• By registering the location of your home security cameras,
you might assist the Sheriff’s Office in supplying
information needed to catch criminals that have burglarized
your neighbors.
• Having camera footage of suspects is one of the most
valuable tools law enforcement can use to identify criminal
suspects. Your information is kept secure and never made
public.
• To register your security camera, go to
www.CrimeReports.com and click on the “register my
camera” link. Then select the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s
Office as your local law enforcement agency.

44. • Good question! Great segue into the next
section

46. • It is important to propose and get feedback on surveillance
cameras from the neighborhood
– Not a good idea to just launch without feedback
– Some neighbors are very sensitive to cameras monitoring their
entrance
– Run a survey
• You can copy and use this form http://tinyurl.com/CameraPilot to gather
feedback from your neighbors
Please do not use the above form, but copy and customize it
• You will find the suggested verbiage that you can email
your neighborhood and gather input
herehttp://www.rishikumar.com/pilot.html

47. • Schedule a meeting by posting the meeting date, time
and location on your neighborhood email group
– At the meeting, share and discuss details, address any
concerns
– If there is interest to move forward, this group that is at the
meeting) is the core “Neighborhood Camera Committee”
• Invite MPOWR to provide an overview of the project/
runs demo as needed for the neighborhood
• Consider other options for surveillance / discuss the
pros and cons of these options

48. • Proactively address any concerns that are raised
by your neighbors
– Typical concerns are around privacy. We provide video
data / images only to law enforcement
• Transparency is always good
• Communicate as much as possible. Over
communication with your neighbors is better for
this juncture
• Identify a chair /point person from the
neighborhood to lead this effort
• Set appropriate neighborhood expectations

49. • The Camera Committee outlines the scope of the
project working with MPOWR team
– Focus upon a specific architecture for the rollout
– Identify location(s) to mount the cameras
– Get permission of the home owners at the entrance(s)
– Identify administrators
– Fine tune Terms and Conditions for participation
– Develop an outreach plan
– Develop a payment plan (Capital + Monthly)
– Establish a bank account or paypal account for this
purpose

50. • *****NEIGHBORHOOD AGREEMENT:
• You are agreeing to the following terms and conditions with your participation and
support for this initiative:
• You understand that no one from the neighborhood is liable in any shape or form as a
result of the capabilities, lack of capabilities or failure of these cameras installed
• You are agreeing to pay your fair share $ of the capital equipment investment i.e price
of X cameras. The current total investment is $ABC and at least ?? families having
expressed interest to contribute and participate. The more the number of participating
families, the lesser the price/family. The current fair share is $??/family that will also
leave us a cash balance. You also agree to pay any monthly fee that MPOWR.US will
charge for cloud hosting, software etc.
• Our neighborhood will have # Administrators that will be liason with MPOWR as
needed. Any request for data will need to be made through this Administrator team.
Here are our Administrator team:
• Request for data: Any participating paid member can request data from the
administrators based upon a police report/specific incident (break-in, car theft, mail
theft etc). The video will be turned over to Sheriff

51. • The committee should now post details of the project
to the Neighborhood Email Group and invite neighbors
to participate
• Neighborhoods should build an “interested list of
neighbors” via a form such as this
http://tinyurl.com/camerashare
• Explain clearly the terms and conditions of
participation
• This step typically needs a few iterations and
consistent, constant follow-up and reminder to get the
neighbors to sign-up

52. • The Neighborhood should look to fund this operation (capital +
service charge)
– We recommend you calculate the charges for 3 years and get the payment
upfront from participants. Makes it easier to manage
• An already established HOA will find this painless
• Neighborhoods without an HOA? We recommend a person from the
neighborhood make the investment for this project, while the
committee solicits funds from the neighbors
• Neighborhood should consider lining up a treasurer to manage funds
/ launch a bank account etc
• We suggest making transactions electronic – to make it easier to
manage and track
• Payment should be made to the MPOWR team

53. • This City of Saratoga grant money is available
– Only available to established Neighborhood Safety Watch
programs
– $300 grant, if granted, can be used for surveillance
cameras or any other projects
– Details at http://saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe
• Looking to start a Neighborhood Safety Watch
program for your neighborhood? Contact Rishi Kumar

54. • The Committee and the designated home owner(s) now
works with MPOWR team to install cameras and go live
• Report back to the neighborhood once this step is completed
• If your neighborhood thinks this is a good idea, place signs in
your neighborhood announcing to the world

55. • Now that the project is live, the committee should
go door to door explaining the project and collecting
checks / request paypal donation (HOA may
scheduled a meeting to discuss)
– Objective of this step is to get close to 100% participation
– Prepare a script for this purpose
– Plan a clear response to objections and issues
– Get the neighborhood on the same page
• A flyer can be designed and printed for this purpose
– See sample (next slide)

56. DETAILS: WWW.TINYURL.COM/CAMERASHARE
WILL YOU PARTICIPATE? THIS SYSTEM WILL HELP REDUCE CRIME!
<YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD> PROJECT
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
COLLABORATE FOR A SAFER NEIGHBORHOOD
Our Neighborhood has seen two break-ins, car break-ins and a mail theft in the last
three months. Statistically, surveillance cameras have proven to reduce crime. A
<Neighborhood>Camera Committee has thus been formed. We are in the process
of installing 2 cameras at the two entrances viewing the entrances looking towards
<Road>. So far, 40 out of 92 families have agreed to participate and share
expenses, currently at $60/family.
NOTE: Video and images from these cameras will be made available only to the
sheriff to help resolve crimes committed in our neighborhood. The software and
storage will be provided by Mpowr. Visit www.mpowr.us.
QUESTIONS? Call <Name>, <Email>, <Phone #>

57. • Look to convince some of the remaining folks on the
merits of the project and why it is imperative for everyone
to participate
• Provide quarterly updates to the neighborhood
– Celebrate success
– Recognize short comings, and seek to address it
– Eventually, a majority may see the merits of this project and
decide they want to participate
• Register your camera at crimereports.com (explained in
this presentation)
• Final tweaks to your cameras, add more cameras etc.

58. • Schedule an annual neighborhood block party to celebrate
the success
• Discuss the status of the project, get feedback and plan future
projects

59. • Considerations https://www.cctvcorp.com/security-
cameras-for-neighborhoods
• https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-start-a-high-tech-
neighborhood-watch-2487721
• Camera issues https://www.lifewire.com/foscam-
fi8905w-outdoor-wireless-security-camera-review-
2487152
• http://www.2mcctv.com/blog/2013_01_25-take-your-
neighborhood-watch-to-the-next-level-with-
neighborhood-guard/

60. Empowering the Neighborhood Watch

61. This section of the presentation by:
Mpowr.us

62. • 24x7x365 neighborhood watch
• Collaborate to keep neighborhood safe
– Monitor abandoned, parked cars & overgrown or vacant
lots
– Monitor reckless driving
– Monitor loitering by strangers
• Controlled by the neighborhood
• Communicate issues to community and/or police
Collaborate | Control | Communicate
What?

63. • 24x7x365 surveillance
• Seamless upgrades of features and capabilities
• Massive scalability at low prices
• Cloud-based storage
• Browser-based dashboard
• End-to-end security
• Video and Image Timelines
• Downloadable Videos and Images
Connect | Sign Up | Use
Offering

64. 1. Deters criminal activity – capture mail theft, package theft, vandalism
2. Makes neighborhoods safer – identify reckless drivers, criminal profilers
3. Addresses quality of life issues, and mutual interests of the community
4. Works collaboratively with other civic and community activities
5. Creates a greater sense of security and reduces fear of crime
6. Builds bonds with neighbors and stimulates awareness
7. Reduces the physical, financial, and psychological costs of crime
8. Enables residents to capture, report suspicious activities in communities
9. Offers post-incident resources for victims of crime
Connect | Collaborate | Control | Communicate | Community
Benefits

65. Architecture
Security
Camera
Home
Router
Home Computer

66. Carniel
Example
Blue Meadow Ct.
Legend
Homes
Computer
Router/Cable Modem
Sumner
C HD / IR Cameras
c
2
c
3

67. • Axis P1427-LE 5MP Outdoor Bullet Camera
– 2592 x 1944 Resolution at 12 fps  2.5x HD
– Up to 50' of Night Vision
– Ethernet Connection with PoE Technology
– IP66 and NEMA 4X Rated for Outdoor Use
– $669
Camera

68. • Solar powered
• LTE connectivity
• Central Monitoring
• $40,000+ solution
Expensive | Limited | Inflexible
An example of an alternative solution
Expensive!

69. HOME NEIGHBORHOOD CAMPUS PUBLIC SPACES
90% 20% 10%
NOW 6/2017
12/2017
VIDEO UPLOAD, CLOUD,
SERVICE
MUX HW WAN, ANALYTICS
MARKET
STATUS
FEATURES
Outdoor surveillance as a Service
Roadmap

70. Empowering the Neighborhood Watch

71. • Safe Saratoga Citizen’s Committee meeting
– WHEN: January 21st 2017, 10AM-Noon
– WHERE: City of Saratoga office (Administrative
Room)
– WHO: Only Neighborhood leaders should attend
as seating is limited
– Agenda: Surveillance Cameras
– RSVP is required. You can do so by emailing
rishi<at>RishiKumar.com