Your Doorbell Camera Could Help Police Solve Crimes: Here's How

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Registering your security camera with Baltimore County Police could help officers solve timely crimes.

The Baltimore County Council approved a bill Tuesday that would make it easier to tell authorities the location of camera feeds that residents are willing to share if called upon.

The free and voluntary program does not grant police direct access to doorbell cameras. It just tells them where cameras are located, so they know who to ask for video evidence if a crime happens nearby.

"The updated camera registry provides an opportunity for community members to collaborate with law enforcement in a more effective and efficient manner," Baltimore County Police Department Chief Robert O. McCullough said in a Wednesday press release.

Here's how the Voluntary Security Camera Registration Program works:

• Residents and businesses register their cameras online.
• In the event of a crime, a registered user may be contacted.
• Participation is strictly voluntary.
• Camera access remains under the owner's control.

Officers said the program will foster:

• More efficient investigations.
• Direct community involvement.
• Enhanced police and community relations.

Council Member Julian Jones (D-Woodstock) sponsored the legislation, dubbed Bill No. 43-25.

"When confronting crime, speed is of the essence, and our new registry will allow police to locate potentially valuable evidence quickly," Jones said in the release. "This no-cost, voluntary program will use technology to help protect neighborhoods and bring offenders to justice while still allowing homeowners to decide whether they choose to share recordings. It just makes sense."

Residents can read the full text of the bill here.