Aventura Police Using Tech to Thwart Hate Crimes During Holy Holidays

As Passover approaches, the City of Aventura in South Florida is sending a strong message to would-be criminals: hate crimes will not be tolerated — and they’re using cutting-edge technology to prove it. With a large Jewish population and numerous religious sites, Aventura officials are stepping up security measures during the holiday season. The centerpiece of their strategy is the Packetalk surveillance system, a powerful network that connects hundreds of cameras across the city into one coordinated crime-fighting tool.

Smart Surveillance for a Safer City

Aventura Police Chief Michael Bentolila demonstrated how the system works, monitoring five religious facilities simultaneously from a command center filled with screens. “Right now I’m looking at five different religious facilities with approximately 15 different angle views,” he said. Packetalk connects existing security cameras — from both public spaces and private properties — into a centralized monitoring hub. It uses artificial intelligence to learn behavior patterns, recognize faces, and track suspicious activity. “It’s smart, it’s intelligent, it sees patterns, and it can identify faces and features,” explained Captain Hans Maestre. The city purchased the system a year ago, and it’s now fully operational. According to police, it has already helped identify and track down suspects in recent criminal investigations.

Focus on Protecting the Jewish Community

As part of their preparations for Passover, the department has deployed three mobile camera towers to local synagogues. Bentolila says this is a direct effort to deter anyone planning to harass worshippers during the holiday. “We want to make sure that those living here, praying here, and visiting here feel safe at all times,” he said. Though Passover brings heightened awareness, the chief stressed that this level of security is a year-round commitment. “I can argue we send that message all year long,” he added. While the growing network of cameras may raise privacy concerns, Bentolila reassures the public that the city is not trying to create a “Big Brother” environment. “We’re not looking to be Big Brother, watching everything,” he said.

Voluntary Participation from Residents and Businesses

Participation in Packetalk is voluntary. Businesses and residents can choose whether to allow police real-time access to their surveillance feeds. But law enforcement officials say that when video is instantly available, it can significantly speed up investigations. “There are plenty of times when a crime will happen and we’ll walk into a business or condo, and they have video we need,” Bentolila explained. “But then we’re told the person who knows how to get it won’t be back until Tuesday. That kind of delay can cost us crucial time.”

A Model for Other Cities

Aventura is the first city in Florida to adopt the Packetalk system, and it’s already drawing attention. Chief Bentolila says he’s received calls from other police departments interested in replicating the model. With Passover approaching, Aventura hopes this proactive use of technology will ensure peace of mind — not just during holidays, but every day of the year.