The Town of Petawawa is looking to adopt the CAMSafe program which is considered “the next generation of neighbourhood watch.” CAMSafe creates a database of private security cameras and acts as a resource for police when investigating criminal offences.
Sargent Jeremy Ashley with the Bellville Police made a virtual presentation to Petawawa council on Tuesday night (February 22nd, 2022). The program has been used in Bellville since the summer of 2021. Councillor James Carmody who’s the chair of the Petawawa Police Services Board says the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP is seriously looking at adopting this program.
The program is a resource that allows police to know the location of cameras within a certain area when investigating a crime. Police services are not able to access your security system or cloud-based accounts. If police require access to your footage, they will reach out to you and make a request directly. You can delete your account or change your information at any time and you’re not obligated to share your footage with police.
Police officers would have access to the CAMSafe database showing locations of cameras and contact information. The public side of CAMSafe shows your own cameras that are registered. Studies have shown that security cameras have not only reduced crime rates, but also act as an extra set of eyes to help police identify and apprehend criminals. Sargent Ashley says video is a crucial part of any police investigation, but adds one of the hardest things is finding video footage.
Mayor Bob Sweet says it sounds like an innovative program and adds Petawawa is proud of being a safe community.
Sargent Ashley says there would be a one time cost for municipalities of $500. Councillor Carmody says the cost would be split between the police service boards in Pembroke and Petawawa, with the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP taking the lead.
Sargent Ashley says municipalities, homeowners, businesses, schools and social service agencies can register their cameras.
More details about the local rollout of the CAMSafe program will be released as they become available.