Cops Ask Residents To Register Security Cams To Aid Investigation

ORLAND PARK, IL — Police are asking residents to register their home security cameras in order to aid in crime detection through a new neighborhood watch program.

The initiative was given the green light at last week's village board meeting and will help save Orland Park police the time and effort of going door to door to ask for security footage after a crime has been committed.

For businesses and homes who register, village police will be able to call the camera's owner and request to view any footage from the area a crime took place. The owner can then send the footage to the police electronically.

According to a spokesperson for the village, the program is completely optional and residents can withdraw their consent at any time.

"This program is great because we are utilizing resources that already exist in the community," said Orland Park Police Chief Joe Mitchell in a news release. "So many residents and business owners have approached us to ask how they can help."

A spokeswoman for the village told Patch that police officers will not be able to access cameras remotely if a resident decides not to give them permission. The registration acts as a map of sorts to determine who could have potential footage if a crime occurs in a certain area.

Police did not immediately respond to request for comment on if the footage could then be shared with other local law enforcement agencies.

"This is just another way to help," Mitchell said.

Those interested in registering cameras can do so here. All cameras must be outdoors.