LAWRENCE, Ind. — Lawrence Police are appealing to all businesses and homeowners who have installed security cameras.
The department is launching the “SafeCam'' program, which allows homeowners and local businesses with surveillance equipment to register with the Lawrence Police Department to help detectives solve crimes more efficiently.
These days, many homes have some kind of camera installed, whether big or small, tall or low. Whether it's installed on the front door or hung from the roof, each homeowner has their own reasons for installing these gadgets.
“It's not like there's a lot of crime around here by any means, but I want to at least have something to fall back on if something happens,” said homeowner Ethan Wood.
That little “peace of mind” is actually very helpful to the police as well.
“We've long known that people's doorbell cameras and home security cameras can be helpful in investigations,” Deputy Police Chief Travis Klein said.
Klein said when detectives begin an investigation, it often takes time to determine which businesses and homeowners actually have cameras installed.
“When there is crime in a neighborhood, it often takes a lot of time to explore the neighborhood and knock on doors and ring bells,” he explained.
But now anyone with a security camera in Lawrence can register their device through a new program. Although the police cannot directly access your camera, they know you have one. This means the police know they can contact you if a crime occurs nearby.
“As you know, time is of the essence in many crimes.” [investigations]“Also, if you can get part of the license plate of the car, the color of the car, a description of the suspect's clothing, that gives detectives clues. There's a lot you can do.''
Several homeowners who have installed security cameras said they think the program has a big impact.
“It's going to be great for them,” homeowner Sylvia Vargas said. “If something happens, we can find out what happened and who was involved in the incident.”
“I think this could be a really great resource,” Wood said. “If something were to happen to us or to someone around us, I would want to be a resource to help resolve the issue.”
Lawrence Police say several people and businesses have already registered. Many of the people FOX59/CBS4 spoke to said they were planning to do the same.
The ministry said the program is 100% voluntary and all information is confidential. You can sign up for the program by clicking here.
