As security concerns grow, and more and more people decide to install video surveillance cameras outside of their businesses and residences, a growing number of municipalities are developing programs that will help them leverage privately owned security camera footage. Considering the number of leads that can be substantiated and crimes solved using video surveillance footage, this is modern-technology’s version of neighborhood crime watch.
Police have long relied on private video surveillance footage in solving crimes, but the process used to require them to locate cameras potentially in view of the crime and then go door to door to request the footage or wait for someone to come forward with it. A program recently started in Washington D.C., as part of their Safer, Stronger D.C. Initiative, is offering those with private video surveillance cameras installed on the exterior of their buildings a rebate to help recoup some of the cost involved with installation. To date, more than $75,000 in rebates have been distributed.
There was some initial trepidation from business and home owners regarding concerns that the police would have 24/7 access to the camera’s video footage, and the ability to monitor them remotely. This is not the case, however, and police are only able to look up locations of registered cameras, but still must request access from the owner in order to view the footage.
The benefits of the program are far reaching; police will be able to save critical time by being able to turn to a database of camera locations, far more area will be covered and visible than could be without the help of private security cameras, and knowing that there are so many surveillance cameras that are registered with the police provides a strong deterrent to criminal behavior. While these programs are just launching in some of the major cities, we hope that these neighbors helping neighbors type of programs will prove successful, and offer another source of information and evidence to protect citizens.
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