Knowledge Is Power

Key Terminology

"Accurate terminology allows for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of any subject." — Albert Einstein

  • Camera Share Program

    When law enforcement is provided direct access to existing security cameras at a home or business.

  • Crime Camera Program

    Purchase and installation of security cameras specifically designed to share live feeds with law enforcement.

  • Camera Registry

    A system for recording and managing information about security camera locations in the community.

  • Regional Crime Camera Program

    Sharing of community crime cameras between multiple law enforcement agencies.

Knowledge Is Power

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most commonly asked questions about crime camera programs

Not at all! The best camera is one we never have to access. With that being said, you never know when something is going to happen. Having a camera available, should it be needed, will only benefit you and the responding officers.

One option people often find appealing is purchasing a camera subscription and having it installed to capture their driveway and passing cars. This option provides coverage for your house, but it also allows officers to use license plate recognition software to locate missing or wanted vehicles/individuals.
The majority of security cameras have proprietary platforms, which limits the ability to integrate cameras into the video management systems used by law enforcement. While it is doable, integrating existing systems often requires costly additional hardware, and more often than not advanced ("smart") capabilities are lost during integration.

Some law enforcement agencies have programs that allow residents to share their existing security systems; however, careful consideration should be taken doing doing so. In most cases, law enforcement do not need access to an entire system of cameras at a location. Strategically placed cameras at entrances, exists, and vulnerable locations are most beneficial in real time. In a regional crime camera program, cameras are shared with multiple partnering law enforcement agencies.
People who commit crimes do not always stay within the boundaries of a single jurisdiction. A regional program is a cost efficient way to share technology, collaborate on investigations, and reduce duplication of efforts.
The camera registry is great for those who want to particiapte but do not want/does not have the capability of purchasing additional cameras. While the registry does not allow for real time access, it does provide for the creation of a map of camera locations.

The purpose of the camera registry is to save critical time time during active investigations. Rather than knocking on every door in the vicinity of a crime, officers will be able to cross reference all locations to identify cameras that may have captured footage. Once identified, officers can contact the owners of registered cameras to either ask the home/business owner if their camera captured something specific or arrange a time to meet and view the footage.
A camera registry is a system for recording and managing information about the locations of surveillance cameras in the community, enabling law enforcement agencies to utilize this data to improve their response times and effectiveness in investigating incidents. Sharing Cameras involves providing direct access to cameras at your home or business.
Safeguards have been put in place to ensure no one is taking advantage of anyone who has a camera connected with law enforcement. The video management system tracks every login, every camera accessed, and the length of time a camera is viewed. Logs are checked regularly and suspicious activity is dealt with according to established polices and procedures. Contact us if you would like more information about polices and procedures.
The benefit of purchasing cameras is that officers will have instant access to live or recorded footage should the need arise. For example, if a gas station cashier calls 911 and reports a fight in the parking lot, dispatchers will be alerted to all shared cameras at the location and in surrounding areas. Dispatchers can then relay vital information to officers in route to the scene, such as how many people are involved, who is involved, and if anyone has a weapon. Dispatchers will also be able to provide additional assistance while officers are on scene by continuing to monitor available camera feeds and informing officers of suspect movements not otherwise seen in the field.
Innovation in Action

Benefits of Sharing Cameras

Stay informed and explore the ever-growing benefits of participating in a community crime camera program

Enhanced Situational Awareness
Security camera footage provides vital information to law enforcement during active crime scenes
Real Time Monitoring
Early identification of suspicious activity may lead to less crimes being committed
Emergency Response
Monitor traffic and special events
Environmental Hazards
Flood detection, and illegal dumping