Fort Worth Police Department launches Community Camera Program
FORT WORTH — These days, it seems like everyone has a camera or two at home.
Fort Worth police say knowing who has cameras installed in a neighborhood could be critical in helping them solve their next crime.
The Fort Worth Police Department announced its newest campaign in crime prevention, the Community Camera Program.
As part of the program, residents and local businesses in Fort Worth are asked to register their doorbells and security cameras with the Fort Worth Police Department.
Fort Worth Police Department Public Information Officer, Brad Perez, explains that the program is completely voluntary.
"What we're asking is the general public, the citizens of Fort Worth, if they want to participate, and if they do, they just say 'Hey, I've got a camera or two at my property or my business, and they're facing this direction.' And that information is provided to us, it makes our job easier.'"
The program is meant to cut down on the time officers usually spend going door to door asking residents if they have cameras.
Registering home cameras doesn't automatically give officers access to the footage. The owner of the business or home would still have to give police permission if they needed it for a crime. The department would then contact people directly with the information provided at the time of registering, to request any video if needed.
Businesses can also opt in to share live streams of surveillance video with the police department.
"Even if something occurs in a residential area, a criminal might go by a business," explains Perez.
"All we're trying to do is catch up with technology, and the abilities that are out there, so working together hand in hand...hopefully it's a win win for everyone."
Residents and businesses interested in registering can visit the webpage dedicated to the Community Camera Program here.
The Community Camera Program is being powered by Flock Safety. The Fort Worth Police Department says it uses Flock Safety's License Plate Readers (LPRs) in its current efforts to, "address and reduce crime throughout the city."
In a statement from the initial launch announcement, Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said, "The Community Camera Program demonstrates the commitment of the Fort Worth Police Department to work hand-in-hand with our community members towards a safer city. This cost-effective, user-friendly, and transparent platform equips us with additional investigative tools and informs our decision-making process, all while safeguarding the privacy of our citizens and their residences. The Community Camera Program marks a significant stride towards keeping Fort Worth safe, together."
