Destin council backs sheriff’s real‑time crime center and agrees to connect city cameras

City staff and a sheriff's office representative presented a demonstration of a cloud-based real‑time crime center (FUSIS/Fusus) that integrates public and private video feeds and body‑worn camera streams for analysts to support first responders.

The vendor explained that FUSIS can connect to multiple camera systems with minimal hardware changes, build a secure camera registry, and provide CJIS‑compliant storage for incident video. Presenters cited Okaloosa County Schools and the Emerald Grande (hotel) as current participants granting restricted access as examples.

Council members asked about technical compatibility and how private citizens could participate. The sheriff's office representative said camera owners control sharing policy and that citizens interested in joining should contact Sergeant Nick Grundon for enrollment. Councilmember (speaker 3) moved that the city give the sheriff “as much assistance and help and authorization to put the word out” and to support the program; the motion passed unanimously. A separate motion to connect city cameras to the platform also passed unanimously.

Council emphasized that camera owners retain control over what is shared: presenters said owners can limit access to live video only on alarms or emergency situations. The city will also use its media and social outlets to assist sheriff's outreach as requested.

Quotes: “One of the most powerful forms of intelligence available to a city is video,” a vendor representative said during the presentation. City staff added: “If you want us to have access 24/7, that can be arranged; if you want sharing only on alarm, that is your decision.”

Next steps: staff will work with the sheriff’s office on outreach and coordinate technical connections for city-owned cameras where appropriate; Sergeant Nick Grundon was identified as the contact for private participants.