The Prince Albert Police Service has joined a Canada-wide initiative that allows residents to register their outward-facing security cameras with a local registry, a move Chief Patrick Nogier said will improve community safety.
The City of Prince Albert announced on Thursday that PAPS and the City’s Community Safety and Well Being initiative would join the Safe Neighbourhood Camera Registry (SNCR) run by Police Solutions, a division of Canadian software company Forrest Green. By joining, residents indicate they will voluntarily share camera footage with police if an incident occurs in their area.
Nogier said the registry would give investigators quicker access to potential evidence, allowing police to bring those investigations to a swift resolution.
“Partnerships with external organizations like Forrest Green are crucial in our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and ensure effective law enforcement,” Nogier said in a press release. “Their involvement in creating a safe neighbourhood camera registry will expedite our investigative processes, allowing us to identify and apprehend offenders swiftly.
“We are committed to fostering strong collaborations with our community, encouraging residents to participate in programs that bolster our collective security.”
By signing up, residents only give local police agencies in their jurisdiction permission to use the footage. Residents are not obligated to give up the footage if asked, and can withdraw their consent from the program at any time.
City of Prince Albert Community Safety and Well-Being Manager Anna Dinsdale said she’s always asked what residents can do to make Prince Albert safer. She said this program is one of the best ways to increase community safety.
“It is a small action with significant consequences,” Dinsdale said in a press release. “Help protect your property, family, and community by registering your doorbell and outdoor security cameras.”
Mayor Greg Dionne also encouraged residents to sign up for the registry.
“The SNCR is a shining example of how we can work together to make our city safer,” Dionne said in a press release. “By participating, residents can play an active role in protecting their neighbourhoods.”
For more information or to register your camera, visit https://www.sncr.ca/ or contact the Prince Albert Police Service.
editorial@paherald.sk.ca
