The City of Prince George and Prince George RCMP are asking residents and businesses to voluntarily register their surveillance cameras in an online database.
The registry will be managed by the city and accessible to RCMP members, to allow them to quickly identify the locations and owners of potential video evidence to support their investigations.
“We spend a tremendous amount of time” canvassing areas for potential video camera evidence when crimes happen, RCMP Supt. Shaun Wright told city council on Monday night.
“Obviously it is voluntary in nature,” Wright said. “(But) it is a tool that I think is going to be quite valuable to us.”
The availability of cheap, user-friendly security cameras systems – like doorbell cameras - means there has been a significant increase the number of homes and businesses which now have cameras, he added.
“The City of Prince George is pleased to participate in this program in the interest of crime prevention and improving public safety in the community,” city director of public safety Adam Davey said in a statement issued on Tuesday. “We certainly encourage all residents with security recording devices on their property or place of business to sign up and be part of the registry. Your contact information will be kept confidential, and you will only be contacted in the event of a nearby incident.”
To register, go online to https://princegeorge.ca/cctv. Residents are asked to provide their contact information and camera details. The data will only be shared with law enforcement for the purpose of identifying potential video footage related to law enforcement investigations.
For more information, email cctvregistry@princegeorge.ca.
