Johns Creek, Ring Enter Agreement To Share Neighborhood Info

JOHNS CREEK, GA — The Johns Creek City Council approved Monday a Memorandum of Understanding with Ring for data sharing with Johns Creek Police Department.

Homeowners across Johns Creek have installed Ring cameras at their homes for personal security and surveillance of their properties, Chief of Police Ed Densmore said in a memo to council. Ring has recently developed the Neighbors App which encourages community engagement to work with local law enforcement to make neighborhoods safer.

When new law enforcement agencies come on board, Ring announces the partnership in-app via a regional announcement, so users are aware, Densmore said.

"When using Neighbors, law enforcement see the same interface that all users see; the content is the same, the exact locations of posts are obfuscated, and the user's personal identity is not displayed," he said. "There are two key differences, though: 1) law enforcement can view public posts from within their jurisdiction (instead of just their 'neighborhood') and 2) law enforcement posts are identified so users can clearly see that they are the source of the content. This means that posts or comments made by law enforcement are clearly marked with their official title and name."

Law enforcement can only view the publicly available content in the Neighbors App, unless a user explicitly and voluntarily chooses to share their own recordings with law enforcement, he said.

"Exact locations of devices and user information are never provided to law enforcement without a user's express permission or a valid and binding legal demand properly served on us," Densmore said. "Law enforcement can request information from users within their jurisdiction (Ring sends the official request to users). Law enforcement must reference a relevant case number to make a request within a specific, limited time range and area."

Ring will then ask a targeted group of users in that area if they are willing to share any relevant footage with law enforcement. It's then up to the user to share their video file(s) or decline the request, Densmore said.

"Users can also opt out of all future requests by law enforcement," he said. "Again, Ring will not release user information without a user's express permission or a valid and binding legal demand properly served on us."

By entering into this memorandum of understanding with Ring, the Johns Creek Police Department will enhance its ability to potentially solve crimes, in partnership with citizens, he said.

"This application creates a digital neighborhood watch program," Densmore said. "Detectives will know each home that has a Ring camera system and will be able to contact them for the evidence. At this time, detectives have to physically canvas the neighborhood to determine if Ring cameras exist and then knock on doors. This is another great example of how technology and partnering with our citizens can not only help solve crimes but also deter criminals from coming into our neighborhoods."

Densmore said there is no financial commitment from the city.