“As we all know, video cameras are increasingly being used in both residential and commercial properties to prevent crime,” says Police Chief Greg Meyer.
“As such, video surveillance has become extremely helpful in solving crimes, identifying potential suspects, and serves as valuable evidence in court. As a result, investigations frequently involve officers and/or detectives canvassing neighborhoods looking for cameras. Knowing ahead of time where cameras are located greatly speeds investigations by allowing our officers and/or detectives to prioritize where to begin looking for evidence. Many times the best available video evidence isn’t of the crime itself, but of pathways and streets leading into and out of the scene.”
“In an effort to continue our commitment to providing excellent police services, the Lakewood Police Department is launching a community partnership called Register Every Camera [REC],” the Chief said.
Any resident or business that has a camera(s) on their property can register them with the police department starting today. Registration can be done via their website at www.lakewoodpolicenj.com or in person. Registration forms are available at the front window of the police station, located at 231 Third Street.
“Once the information is obtained it will be entered into a secured database for future reference and your address will be noted in our in house system. In addition, every registrant will receive a window decal for their premises. This will hopefully serve as a visible deterrent for anyone who may be considering committing a crime as well as a helpful tool for responding or investigating law enforcement officers.
Participation in this partnership is completely voluntary. All registered information will be kept confidential and will only be viewed by authorized Lakewood Police Department personnel. We are not asking to and will not monitor your camera system. This is strictly to be used as an investigative tool to aide officers and detectives.”
By law you can be compelled to hand over video footage.
Is it illigle to decline to provide footage to police if they ask for it? Not saying I would do that…just curious
This is a great idea so now thieves will only break into houses without the decal
They just mean that every bit counts. As they said, the fact that the route is somewhat monitored makes a difference…
This is brilliant.
Can I get a decal without registering so thieves will think I have a camera?
This greatly speeds up the capture of the burglar/robber. Until you’ve done an investigation, please keep your legal opinions and advice to yourself. See if you can get a decal without having a camera or being entered in their database. Good deterrent but won’t help the police, just you. That’s okay, particularly if you are a dog.
I am a little nervous about my privacy. And if the police know you have it, they can subpoena it, even in a case against you.
That being said, I don’t believe the campaign is malicious, Lakewood Police means well and it will help solve crimes. I have no problem volunteering footage if something happens on my block. I just don’t want to go on record that I have recordings they may view.
What’s with all this paranoia? Yea so they can subpoena the data from the camera. Subpoenas are unnecessary if you voluntarily provide LE with the digital data they need.
Question. Will they be able to access it remotely at any time? Do they need permission specifically for each access even if the property owner is out of town and if so, do they need a signature, e-mail or is verbal auth ok? Maybe you’re shipping things from a webpage and don’t want the IRS knowing about it but since the video is available it’s free reign? Personally, I think cameras are great, but privacy needs to respected as well. I wish I had cameras on a few occasions, but that’s only one part of the investigation. It’s evidence and could provide a lead – that’s all. Cameras are great, but not for open ended investigations (like Mueller is doing) and could be used against people renting out their basements, for instance. Just something to think about.