Local police putting out public calls for CCTV footage could soon be a thing of the past.
Timmins Police has launched the CAMSafe program.
For the program, people can voluntarily register their closed circuit, security video and doorbell cameras to create a database. Instead of police canvassing a neighbourhood to find video footage, officers can see who in a designated area has registered and reach out to the owner.
Other areas across the province have been launching the program.
Bringing it to Timmins is the work of Const. David Wilkie.
“This program is very much akin to Neighbourhood Watch 2.0, in terms of acting as an effective crime deterrent and a vital investigative tool for frontline officers. In certain circumstances, a review of CAMSafe availability will be the starting point for officers to quickly find video footage from community members who opt to register for the program to assist with investigations," he said police in a news release.
There is no cost to register your video devices with the program. The video owner is not required to provide anything to police if they are contacted.
"The implementation of this system is a genuine partnership between the police and concerned citizens willing to take the simple steps necessary to enhance public safety and reduce crime in our community. The CAMSafe program is built on the premise of participation of residents and businesses," said Kraymr Grenke, Timmins Police Service board chair.
"I actively encourage all citizens who have such systems or devices at their homes or businesses to register their basic contact information and camera locations. Crime prevention is a partnership, and this program stands to benefit individuals and the community at large."
Interested homeowners can register for the program at camsafe.ca.
