Want to help put a stop to nefarious crimes?
The Graham County Sheriff’s Office has launched a camera registration program, where residences, businesses or places of worship can allow the office permission to view security camera footage that may be pertinent to solving an investigation. The program is voluntary and free to join.
“In the event of a critical incident or criminal investigation, business or residential security cameras may capture evidence essential to solving a case,” Graham County sheriff’s Lt. Jim Hyde said. “Police investigations frequently involve officers canvassing neighborhoods surrounding a crime scene for security cameras.
“Knowing where they are located greatly speeds up investigations by allowing officers to prioritize where to begin looking for evidence. Many times, the best available video evidence is not of the crime scene itself, but of pathways and streets leading into and out of the crime scene.”
The office hopes to build a strong, countywide database and will only access the cameras on an as-needed basis. Registration information is kept confidential and will only be viewed by sheriff’s personnel during an investigation.
“Video cameras are increasingly being used at both residential and commercial properties, to prevent crime and to memorialize events as they occur,” Hyde added. “As such, video evidence has became extremely helpful in solving crimes, identifying perpetrators and serves as valuable evidence in court.”
Those interested in registering can stop by the sheriff’s office, 400 Rodney Orr Bypass.
Officers will need the following information:
* Name
* Address (Including business name)
* Contact information
* Length of video storage your system allows
* Coverage of security camera on your premises
Additionally, the office notes that cameras can be mounted on private-property only.