The City of Fort Worth has introduced a new voluntary community security camera registry for residents. This new program promises to enhance the police department’s crime-fighting capabilities.
The Fort Worth Police Department is urging residents and businesses to register their doorbells and security cameras in a new initiative called the Community Camera Program. This new registry allows citizens to collaborate with investigators to create a “safer environment for neighborhoods,” according to the city’s news release.
“Registering a camera does not grant automatic access to live video streams or recorded footage; it simply informs the police of the presence of cameras at your location, allowing investigators to reach out to obtain possible evidence that may help solve a crime,” explains the city’s announcement.
Business owners who opt into the program and register their cameras can also integrate their cameras with FWPD’s camera system, allowing officers access to updates in real time.
“The Community Camera Program demonstrates the commitment of the Fort Worth Police Department to work hand-in-hand with our community members towards a safer city,” said Police Chief Neil Noakes. “This cost-effective, user-friendly and transparent platform equips us with additional investigative tools and informs our decision-making process, all while safeguarding the privacy of our citizens and their residences. The Community Camera Program marks a significant stride towards keeping Fort Worth safe, together.”
Those interested may register their devices online.
Fort Worth already has several cameras around the city to monitor areas for criminal activities. The Fort Worth City Council opted to upgrade its system of Flock cameras using the same company’s Raven Audio Detection System, which can detect gunshots, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Meanwhile, in Dallas, the shortage of police officers has made it difficult for the local police department to control crime. Currently, only around 3,000 officers patrol the city’s streets, despite an analysis suggesting that a jurisdiction the size of Dallas should have about 4,000. As a result, Downtown Dallas experiences significantly more criminal activity than Fort Worth’s city center. A dedicated police unit and private security guards patrol the latter.
