A new program has been launched in Grey-Bruce to better help police collect surveillance footage.
The CAMSafe Program is a database of local surveillance cameras. Constable Krista Linthorne of the Grey-Bruce OPP explains.
"So we want the security camera locations from those properties within the communities that we serve. So this will act as a resource for police when investigating any crimes or offences. So what will happen is, there's an online database of camera locations, so once we actually roll it out to the officers, they'll be able to determine which residential or commercial properties have cameras in place," Constable Linthorne shared.
Businesses and residents can simply sign up on the CAMSafe website (https://camsafe.ca/), and it's a fairly simple process.
"So only basic contact information is required to sign up. Name, address, contact info and camera locations on your property or business lot. Only police have access to the registry. It doesn't upload video from your cameras, or access your cloud, it just shows that there is a camera located at that residence or commercial building," added Constable Linthorne.
Registrants can only view their own information and can delete their account or change their information at any time.
Perth County OPP have also joined the CAMSafe program. In a release, Perth County OPP Constable Kimberly Lyon says having access to local video surveillance is a huge leg up for officers, and ultimately for victims of numerous types of crime.
"Police officers can resolve incidents far more seamlessly and quick, with more offenders/suspects being identified and charged with visual evidence. It was recently used to identify four youth suspects in multiple Mischief and Break and Enter's in the Municipality of North Perth, resulting in over $100,000 in damages," Constable Lyon shared in the release. "Ensuring public safety requires a great deal of effort from law enforcement, local authorities and citizens that reside within the community. The program is a very important tool to help officers identify offenders within the community and to improve public safety. Living in rural areas is less populated and often situated on large lots of land. Having a home surveillance system can increase visibility around your property and detect activity on your land it also helps as an additional investigative resource for law enforcement."
