St. Thomas, ON – Monday January 29th 2024
The St. Thomas Police Service is thrilled to introduce CamSafe, an upgraded and enhanced iteration of our existing camera registry program. CamSafe represents a significant leap forward in community-driven efforts to promote safety and combat crime effectively throughout our neighbourhoods.
Building upon the foundation of our pre-existing camera registry, CamSafe aims to further streamline our community’s ability to partner with us. It operates as a voluntary CCTV and security video registry program, designed to collaborate between residents, businesses and the St. Thomas Police Service in ensuring the safety and security of our community.
CamSafe’s functionality mirrors its predecessor by enabling residents and businesses to register their CCTV systems, security cameras or doorbell cams with our police service. Once enrolled, participants become invaluable allies, assisting STPS investigations following incidents within their vicinity.
Similar to the earlier registry, CamSafe grants officers access to registered cameras in the event of a crime in a specific area. However, it maintains its commitment to privacy and security by not allowing direct access to cameras or personal account information. Instead, it serves as an invaluable resource, offering leads on potential footage to aid in investigations.
Residents and businesses can securely register their cameras on the CamSafe platform via the St. Thomas Police Service website, providing basic information like name, address, contact details, the number of cameras on their property, and camera directions. Crucially, participants retain complete autonomy, possessing the ability to add, modify, or remove information from their CamSafe account at their convenience.
“This upgraded program builds upon the existing partnerships with our community and aims to further enhance safety and security within the City of St. Thomas,” stated Inspector Kim Manuel of the St. Thomas Police Service.
CamSafe represents the next phase in the evolution of our camera registry initiative. Inspired by successful models in other regions, this upgraded version is the result of continuous engagement with our community and advancements in technology.
Initially established in collaboration with Belleville Police Service, CamSafe quickly gained momentum, leading to its expansion beyond its original scope. Now, with the official rollout of CamSafe across all detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), supported by various other policing agencies and communities, the program has entered a new era of collective community responsibility towards safety.
As the St. Thomas Police Service, we encourage residents and businesses equipped with security cameras to embrace CamSafe. Your participation is crucial in supporting our efforts and solidifying our community’s commitment to safety.
CamSafe registration information
