JONES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
One of the new programs at the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, introduced with the new JCSO smartphone app, is called Camera Connect.
The idea of the program is to take advantage of the numerous video surveillance cameras at businesses and homes throughout the county.
An explanation of the camera-driven crime suppression program by Sheriff Butch Reece states that it gives citizens and business owners the unique opportunity to provide video footage that might assist law enforcement in solving crimes.
“Participation is free, voluntary and confidential. Participants always maintain the right to grant or deny footage.”
He said JCSO will never request direct access to a camera system nor any accounts associated with a camera system. Law enforcement may request a particular video to assist in with solving a crime.
Signing up for the program is simple and can be done on the app. It requires only the name and/or business name, phone number and email address.
Investigator Crystal Murphy, who also serves as the public relations officer for the department, emphasized that participation in the program does not give law enforcement access to camera systems in any way.
“We have to get permission to use any footage,” she said.
Murphy said the idea is to give officers another tool.
“Participation in the program would tell us where the cameras are. If a burglary happens in a neighborhood, we would know who may have a video that would help us,” she said. “It’s like making a big neighborhood watch. The information will help cut down on crimes and solve crimes quicker.”
Now law enforcement officers lose valuable time going through streets and neighborhoods looking for where there might be a camera after a crime occurs.
Murphy said the Camera Connect program would also give officers information, such as how long recordings are stored.
“This will help, especially now. Cameras are everywhere, and they are one of the best tools we have,” she said. “The program gives us more eyes and ears to help us do our job.”
The Jones County Sheri_ Oce app can be downloaded in the app store of smart phone devices and is one way to sign up for Camera Connect.
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