Security Camera Registration Program Gives Rochester Police Quick Access to Video Evidence

When a crime happens, police can input the address into the system to retrieve registered cameras in that area.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Police here say they are making good use of a crime-solving program launched earlier this year that allows businesses and homeowners to register their outdoor security cameras in an effort to give police access to video evidence exponentially faster than they previously could.

The Rochester Police Department rolled out the new program, called SecuroNet, in February. Police are using the software to create a database of existing security cameras located at businesses and private residences.

When a crime happens, police can input the address into the system which will pull up all the registered cameras in that area. Investigators can then retrieve contact information for the owner of the camera, then collect any possible video evidence captured.


READ NEXT: Police in Atlanta Suburb Asking Residents, Businesses for Access to Surveillance Videos


As an example, investigators are trying to determine the identities of four men who stole thousands of dollars worth of cell phones from an AT&T store, KAAL-TV a local ABC affiliate, reports. Police are in the process of taking victim statements and going through security footage from the outside of the building.

“Those registrations have helped us with a number of cases,” Captain John Sherwin told an ABC 6 reporter. “Either by pointing us in the right direction or providing us with a vehicle description, its information that would normally be out there but we wouldn’t even know about.”

Sherwin says the strip mall where AT&T is located was not registered through SecuroNet, although in the last seven months more than 200 cameras have been enrolled.

“It could’ve potentially sped up the process, obviously anytime there’s a major crime we are going to have people out on the street doing their own footwork or legwork,” Sherwin said.

SecuroNet does not give police access to security camera feeds. Police still have to request approval to use video from registered cameras.

“We work for the people, most people want their police agency they want their government to be efficient and this is an avenue to make that happen,” added Sherwin.

 

If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

Security Is Our Business, Too

For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.

A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.

Subscribe Today!

Get Our Newsletters