How the Port of Los Angeles Closed Critical Security Gaps and Stopped Crime With ECAM
About the Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest seaport in the United States and a critical hub for global trade, public safety, and economic activity. With hundreds of cameras and a 24/7 threat detection center, the Los Angeles Port Police rely on advanced technology and coordinated operations to prevent crime and protect one of the nation’s most important gateways.
The Challenge for the Port of Los Angeles
Despite having an extensive camera network, the Port Police identified multiple high-risk areas with no surveillance coverage, locations where criminal activity had occurred but existing fixed cameras could not capture the suspects.
Traditional solutions, such as installing permanent pole cameras or fixed infrastructure, were not feasible in the short term.
The Port Police needed a portable, reliable, and quickly deployable solution that could:
- Cover remote or underserved areas
- Operate independently through solar power
- Integrate seamlessly with the Port’s existing video management system (VMS)
- Support ongoing investigations with real-time visibility
- Adapt to both short-duration and long-term deployments across the port complex
Their goal was clear: stop active criminal activity while filling critical surveillance blind spots.
How ECAM Helped The Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles deployed ECAM’s portable, solar-powered camera systems at key locations where crimes were occurring. These rapidly deployable units delivered immediate visibility and integrated directly into the Port’s existing VMS, making adoption seamless for the Port’s 24/7 threat detection center.
Key actions included:
- Portable Solar Camera Units: ECAM provided mobile cameras that could be placed anywhere coverage was needed, allowing the Port Police to monitor problem areas instantly.
- Full VMS Integration: ECAM systems connected directly to the Port’s video management system, enabling operators to view ECAM feeds the same way they view existing fixed cameras.
- Real-Time Criminal Detection: Because ECAM cameras fed into the Port’s active monitoring team, officers were able to identify and apprehend criminals in the act.
- Flexible Deployment Across the Port: ECAM units were moved to new areas as surveillance gaps were discovered, supporting ongoing investigations and shifting crime patterns.
- Special Event Visibility: ECAM’s mobile trailer systems provided rapid, elevated coverage for events where installing fixed cameras wasn’t possible.
The Port’s partnership with ECAM has continued to expand, with additional trailer systems, portable cameras, and custom-built solutions being added year after year.
ECAM was able to integrate with our video management system seamlessly. Because of that, we’ve caught criminals while they were committing their crimes.
Lt. Rosario Ferrara
Los Angeles Port Police
The ECAM Difference
ECAM’s flexibility, rapid deployment, and seamless system integration made it possible for the Port Police to close security gaps, increase situational awareness, and solve active criminal cases.
Key outcomes included:
- Successful identification and apprehension of multiple suspects
- Immediate coverage of areas with no fixed cameras
- Seamless integration into existing technology workflows
- Reliable performance through solar-powered, portable units
- Deployment flexibility for both investigations and special events
- A growing, multi-year partnership with continued camera expansion
Today, the Port of Los Angeles continues to expand its ECAM system footprint to support investigations, enhance visibility, and maintain safety across one of the largest and most complex port environments in the world.
