Business security that reaches beyond the store
As a long-time Envysion customer, WKS Restaurant Group has consistently taken a forward-thinking approach to restaurant operations. Rather than simply reacting to challenges, they look for new ways to enhance safety for their teams and customers.
That mindset led them to a powerful new initiative: the Protected Places Program from Motorola Solutions. This voluntary public safety program strengthens the connection between businesses and local law enforcement by securely sharing key security information during emergencies.
For WKS, this isn’t just a security upgrade. It’s a bold step toward deeper community partnership and public safety leadership.
What is the Protected Places Program?
The Protected Places Program is a voluntary safety initiative by Motorola Solutions that helps local law enforcement respond and provide enhanced emergency response by connecting them with businesses’ security information.
Key points:
- Businesses can opt in to share building contacts, floor plans, and camera locations securely with first responders
- Real-time video streaming is optional and only shared with your consent
- You maintain full control over what is shared, protecting your privacy
This program builds a stronger partnership between businesses and public safety agencies, improving response times and community safety.
How does the Protected Places Program work?
Participation in the Protected Places Program is simple and secure. Businesses can choose to share various types of information—including registered camera locations, floor plans, emergency contacts, and procedures—through a secure portal. The level of detail shared is entirely at your discretion.
Here’s how it works:
Register Your Site:
Submit your location details, floor plans, key contacts, and emergency procedures through a secure portal connected to local emergency services.
Choose What to Share
You decide whether to share live video access from your camera system (exterior and/or interior) or simply register the location of your cameras for visibility. Sharing is entirely optional and customizable.
Support Emergency Response
In the event of an active emergency (such as a break-in, fire, or medical incident), dispatchers and officers can view the shared information through a secure Motorola Solutions platform to better assess the situation and coordinate their response.
The result? Enhanced emergency response, better-informed decision-making with reduced risk for everyone involved.
Why does this program matter?
When first responders arrive on the scene of an emergency, every second counts. The Protected Places Program equips them with the critical information they need to act quickly and confidently, before they even walk through the door.
By participating, your business becomes a proactive partner in public safety by sharing:
- Real-time camera feeds that provide live insight into unfolding situations
- Detailed floor plans that help responders navigate your building efficiently
- Emergency contact information for quick communication
To put it simply: you’re giving your building a voice, so it can “speak” for itself in a crisis, when you might not be able to.
For companies like WKS Restaurant Group, this program is about being a responsible neighbor and a trusted part of the communities they serve.
Why WKS Decided to Roll Out the Program
WKS already had strong working relationships with law enforcement. They regularly supported investigations by sharing video and saw firsthand how valuable clear communication could be.
Joining the Protected Places Program was a natural next step. It helped formalize and streamline their support for emergency responders, making it easier for both sides to act quickly when it matters most.
Their decision was rooted in two things:
- A desire to lead by example within the restaurant industry
- A commitment to safer, more resilient communities
The rollout process was smooth, supported by Envysion’s Customer Success team from start to finish.
Initial Planning:
WKS selected Glendale, Arizona, as the pilot city, rolling out across four restaurant brands: Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Krispy Kreme, and Wendy’s.
Simple Activation:
There was no complex setup, just a formal agreement and the secure creation of user credentials for local police departments.
Comprehensive Coverage:
WKS enabled access to all camera feeds (interior and exterior), giving law enforcement the tools for improved situational and investigative awareness, and real-time visibility.
The Impact: Safer Locations, Stronger Communities
While the program is still new, the impact is already visible. WKS locations report:
- Increased confidence among staff and customers visiting your location, knowing you’re a Protected Places partner
- Enhanced, more coordinated incident responses
- A stronger sense of community trust
By participating, WKS is setting a new benchmark for restaurant security best practices.
Partnership in Action
WKS’s rollout of the Protected Places Program shows how businesses can become essential partners in public safety.
At Envysion, we’re proud to be part of this mission. Backed by Motorola Solutions, we offer more than video security. We offer peace of mind, enhanced emergency response, and the confidence to lead in a rapidly changing world.
To learn more about the Protected Places Program, click here.