NOVATO – On Wednesday August 19th, the Novato Police Department (NPD) issued a Community Bulletin detailing the launch of a community-based crime-fighting tool called Surveillance Camera Registry and Monitoring (SCRAM).
SCRAM allows residents and businesses to register the locations of their security video surveillance systems with the NPD. The program is 100% voluntary and people can opt out at any time. The registry is kept confidential.
This is considered a new crime prevention and investigative tool which would allow law enforcement to more easily identify the locations of video systems within the city. It also enlists the assistance of the community to obtain video evidence. The NPD will not have direct access to footage, but will be aware that a camera exists in an area when there is a crime committed there.
Video footage from home and business security cameras has increasingly become a key tool for law enforcement in solving crimes in recent years. Attempting to contact every resident and business in an area after a crime can be a very time consuming and costly exercise for law enforcement agencies. SCRAM is anticipated to make investigations more thorough and efficient.
To find out more about the process and view a FAQ about the program you can visit the Novato Police Department’s webpage.
