During the summer of 2023, a tragic homicide occurred along the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland, drawing widespread media attention and prompting urgent calls for action.
In the aftermath of the incident, Harford County officials prioritized safety enhancements along a two-mile segment of the recreational path, a route regularly used by local pedestrians and outdoor enthusiasts. Recognizing an immediate need for surveillance, the County made the decision to implement a comprehensive visual monitoring system, despite the effort falling outside the scope of its annual budget. Funding was quickly reallocated, and the County engaged KCI’s Construction Services team to lead the initiative.
Our team was tasked with developing a complete construction plan, coordinating with project partners to install 104 surveillance cameras mounted on 26 strategically placed poles. To begin, the team conducted a series of trail walks, collecting real-time data and identifying key line-of-sight conditions to optimize camera placement. GPS pin drops were recorded at each location to inform the final installation layout. These firsthand assessments played a crucial role throughout the project, providing accurate field insights from planning through execution.
On-site evaluations by KCI staff ensured strategic placement of security cameras for maximum coverage.Securing power access emerged as an early technical challenge for the project. To support the new infrastructure, KCI collaborated closely with Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E) to install three distribution units along the trail. Leveraging a longstanding working relationship, the utility provider fast-tracked deployment to meet the project’s tight timeline. Additional infrastructure included specialized, custom-designed handholes, which are dual-compartment underground enclosures that could house both power and fiber. The team also designed poles tailored specifically for this application, featuring mounting plates, cutouts, and threading to accommodate the cameras while being future-ready for Wi-Fi or small cell integration. To ensure connectivity, KCI conducted optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) testing to validate fiber performance and reliability.
Our communications infrastructure team utilized directional drilling to connect electrical pull boxes to the future camera sites.Construction also presented unique logistical challenges. The wooded, narrow trail, Heavenly Waters stream, bridges, and underground tunnels made it difficult for crews and heavy equipment to access certain areas. KCI strategically scheduled the use of bucket trucks, directional drill rigs, reel trucks, and pole trailers to balance construction needs with public safety all while keeping the trail open for recreational use throughout the project.
Weather delays and supply chain disruptions added further pressure. Equipment deliveries were impacted when handholes were held at the U.S.–Mexico border, and the pole manufacturer temporarily shut down during a relocation, leading to delivery delays. In addition, winter storms resulted in several lost workdays. To keep the project moving, KCI reassigned internal staff and combined skill sets into hybrid crews while overlapping tasks across disciplines. This creative approach allowed the team to maximize efficiency and minimize costs, ensuring the project advanced without exceeding the client’s limited budget.
After preparing the sites for utility connections, KCI assembled 26 custom camera poles and strategically placed them along the trail.Despite the challenges, the project was completed in February 2024, both under budget and on schedule. KCI successfully installed cameras, each with four lenses for 360-degree coverage, featuring advanced facial recognition and AI-powered detection of suspicious activity and ability to learn human behaviors, providing real-time alerts to local authorities. With this system providing comprehensive monitoring of the area, Harford County’s Sheriff’s Office has been able to redeploy personnel who had previously been stationed along the trail, increasing coverage in other parts of the community.
“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work our team has put into this initiative to enhance the safety and enjoyment of the trail for all visitors. It has been an honor to work toward creating a better future for Harford County, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will continue to have for years to come.”
– Richard Novotny, Senior Project Manager
Renewed safety initiatives and continued oversight serve to sustain the Ma & Pa Trail as an important part of Harford County’s public infrastructure.Today, the Ma & Pa Trail once again serves as a place for recreation and connection, with a renewed sense of safety and reassurance for all who visit. With surveillance now in place, Harford County will continue monitoring activity along the trail to ensure its long-term security and maintain public confidence in this valued community asset.