(Roanoke County, VA—January 31, 2020) The Roanoke County Police Department is launching a citizen security camera program aimed at partnering with residents and business owners to help solve crimes and keep the community safe. The initiative is one that many police departments nationwide have implemented as a crime prevention strategy.
The department is asking residents and businesses across Roanoke County to voluntarily register their privately owned surveillance camera systems. As crimes occur nearby, people are not always aware that their camera systems may have captured information that could help solve the crime. Without canvassing the area, police are not always aware of who may have this potentially vital information. The initiative may help save valuable investigative time.
Registering a camera through the department’s Citizens’ View Security Camera Program only provides the police department with the location of the cameras. The Roanoke County Police Department will contact people if there is a criminal incident in the area of their security camera. Police personnel will have to get permission to view the footage which may assist in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals involved.
To register a security camera or for more information, visit www.roanokecountyva.gov/citizensview. Registration is fast and simple. Information provided to the Roanoke County Police Department will be for official use only and personal information will remain confidential.