Milton Implementing Voluntary Surveillance Camera Registration

MILTON, GA — The Milton Police Department is implementing a new, voluntary program: Operation S.C.R.A.M. (Security Camera Registry and Mapping). They are asking residents and businesses to register the location of security cameras, including doorbell cameras, on their property, to provide the opportunity to potentially help officers solve more local crimes. Police officials emphasize that participation in the program is completely voluntary.

More residents and businesses are installing private security cameras to help protect the inside and outside of their property than ever before. These cameras can inadvertently capture valuable footage that can help solve crimes - even those that don't take place on the same property as the cameras. Using the geographic location of registered cameras, Milton Police will be able to directly contact a registrant to determine if they have helpful recordings, should a crime occur near the registered surveillance system.

"What we're asking Milton residents to do is, 'help us, help you,'" said Milton Police Chief Rich Austin. "The hope is that, the knowledge of the location of security cameras around Milton, combined with other evidence, could lead to solving even more crimes."

This police/community partnership operates on a strictly voluntary basis. It is not intended for active surveillance, and Milton Police will not have direct access to cameras. Those who register a camera may be contacted if a crime occurs near that camera, but releasing the footage to police is still voluntary.

Milton is the first community in North Fulton to implement a voluntary security camera registration, but Marietta, Acworth, Brookhaven and Kennesaw have seen success with similar programs.

"This footage, if accessible to the police department, gives the community the ability to be even safer," Austin said. "This program is yet another example of how the Milton Police Department routinely works together with our community to address crime and quality-of-life issues. Proactive initiatives such as the S.C.R.A.M. partnership help keep Milton one of the safest cities in Georgia."

Go to the City of Milton's website to register your cameras.