Newtown Police Department is launching a new crime prevention initiative, to collaborate with residents and business owners with external security cameras who are willing to, voluntarily, share that information with the department.

This will give the Newtown Police another mechanism of gathering information on crimes and other incidents that happen in the community. Most investigations require door-to-door canvases of areas where incidents occur. Many times homeowners are not at their residence at that time or the employee in charge of the camera systems is not available. The new database of information will help local police quickly contact home and business owners in a timelier manner and see if there is video evidence they could provide.

The database would consist of basic information that home and business owners elect to voluntarily share with the department by registering on the department website.

Information gathered would include the number of cameras on the property, whether they capture any part of the roadway, and if they record based on motion or are constantly on. All of the information will be kept confidential and used for official police purposes only. The registered person will only be contacted in the event an incident happens in their area and police need further information. Newtown Police will not have direct use of any private camera system or access to any video footage in those systems.

Newtown Police looks forward to starting this initiative and connecting with the community in a new way to help keep Newtown safe.

Business owners and community members with exterior security cameras who would like to register can complete a registration form at newtown-ct.gov/newtown-police-department. Any questions can be directed to Officer Stephanie McDermott at 203-426-5841 or Stephanie.Mcdermott@newtown-ct.gov.