The North Bay Police Service is gaining some momentum for its SCRAM Program.
John Schultz, Community Safety Coordinator, North Bay Police Service, says SCRAM, which stands for Security Camera Resource and Mapping, has grown to more than 150 members - an increase of at least 50 during its Police Week campaign.
"I have had some calls from people in our communities and the SCRAM, probably during Police Week and thanks to our friends in the media. We have had more than 50 people emailed to join up with the SCRAM program which is very positive from my end. So it has been good feedback so far and we hope to take that into the summer months because that is when we put a bigger push on our prevention," said Schultz.
Schultz says the program is open to homeowners and businesses who own security cameras. The key fact is that the police do not get full access to your cameras as part of this voluntary community safety program, which started in North Bay in 2019.
"We don't monitor or take over anyone's camera," notes Schultz.
"We just want to know who has cameras so it cuts down on our canvassing. Generally speaking, if we have a theft investigation or a break and enter - whether it is a residence or a business - the officer obviously goes to the victim. We document any evidence at the scene. We also take a statement off them, but we want to canvas the area."
See related: Police asking business and home security owners to SCRAM
Time can be of the essence with an investigation and Schultz feels SCRAM helps cut down the amount of canvassing officers have to do.
He believes getting involved in the network is not just about trying to cut down on break-ins, it could help the police save a life.
If you have a security camera at your home or business, you can e-mail [email protected] and provide police with your contact information, address, and the direction your camera faces.
If a crime is committed in your neighbourhood, the police will contact you and request to view your security footage to identify potential evidence.
By joining SCRAM, police say you are not obligated to give them access to your security footage. Police do not receive access to, or control over, your equipment. You can opt out of the program at any time.
