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Jacksonville Police are asking for your help in new Community Camera Program

The Community Camera Program allows residents and business owners to register locations and capabilities of their security camera systems with the Jacksonville Police Department.

SMITH COUNTY — The Jacksonville Police Department is asking businesses and residents who utilize private video surveillance to consider registering their cameras with the department.

The Community Camera Program allows residents and business owners to register locations and capabilities of their security camera systems with the Jacksonville Police Department.

"With the registration program officers will be able to actually pinpoint on a map where those cameras are at," Jacksonville police Captain Robert Mitchell said.

Using this information, when a crime occurs, the Jacksonville PD will know the locations of nearby video cameras and be able to collect video evidence and follow up on leads.

Because they are caught in the act of committing the crime, video surveillance is one of the best methods to catch suspects and convict them.

"Historically we've used surveillance cameras to solve many crimes, and sometimes the biggest obstacle we have is just locating the camera so that's what we're addressing," Capt. Mitchell said.

As crimes occur nearby, many residents and business owners are unaware that their camera systems may have captured information that could help solve a case.

By registering your camera, officers can quickly identify nearby cameras that may have captured criminal activity.

"Implementing the new community camera program reduces the hassle, and cuts the time down to just minutes," he said.

After registering your camera, you will only be contacted by the Jacksonville Police Department IF there is a criminal incident in the vicinity of your security camera and police personnel believe viewing your video footage will assist in the investigation.

"It's important to note, we do not own their footage, we do not access their footage remotely," the Captain said.

To register, go to the Jacksonville, Texas Police web page and click on Community Camera Program or use the following link:

http:www.jacksonvilletx.org/330/community-camera-program

For more information contact Captain Robert Mitchell at 903-586-6926.

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