Private security cameras can now be registered

Local residents and business owners now have the option to register their security cameras with Durham Regional Police Service.

Doing so may assist officers when investigating a crime that takes place in range of the cameras.

Following a crime, officers canvass a neighbourhood looking for any surveillance images that may have been captured. When cameras are registered, officers can see who may have captured video in the area.

Police say this will allow officers to quickly locate cameras after a crime occurs and contact owners for surveillance footage. While canvassing is a necessary part of any investigation, registering of cameras will help streamline the often lengthy process.

The voluntary registry does not mean officers automatically have access to footage, they must still ask for permission to view and use any footage.

When information is used, any personal information (owner’s name, address, etc.) will remain confidential.

Police officials remind residents when registering it’s important to include the location of camera(s), the direction they are pointed, file-sharing ability and video retention times.

To register a security camera, visit www.drps.ca and from the menu along the top click on Online Reporting – Report A Crime – Security Camera Registry.