TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Council has approved updates to the county’s voluntary security camera registration program (PDF), which aims to help police more quickly locate potential video evidence of crimes.
The revised program, approved by officials on Tuesday, makes it easier for residents and businesses to register their security cameras with the Baltimore County Police Department. The initiative was championed by County Councilman Julian Jones.
“The updated camera registry provides an opportunity for community members to collaborate with law enforcement in a more effective and efficient manner,” said Police Chief Robert O. McCullough.
The program is free and voluntary. Registering a camera does not grant police direct access to a live feed. Instead, participants share the locations of their cameras, and police can contact them if a crime occurs in the area to request footage. The decision to share any recordings remains with the camera owner.
“When confronting crime, speed is of the essence, and our new registry will allow police to locate potentially valuable evidence quickly,” Jones said.
According to the police department, the program’s benefits include more efficient investigations, direct community involvement, and enhanced relations between police and the public.
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