Your Security Camera Could Help Solve a Crime: What to Know About CameraConnect DC
The Metropolitan Police Department is encouraging DC residents, businesses and institutions with security cameras to participate in CameraConnect DC, a community camera-sharing program designed to help investigators identify and obtain video footage following crimes and other incidents.
The program allows people with doorbell cameras, home security cameras and private CCTV systems to register their cameras with MPD at no cost. Registration lets investigators know that a camera may be available near the location of an incident, potentially making it easier to identify and request relevant footage.
For residents, registering a camera does not give MPD direct or live access to the camera or its recordings. If an incident occurs nearby, MPD may contact the registered camera owner and ask them to review their footage and voluntarily upload video that could assist with an investigation. Camera owners can also unsubscribe from the registry.
Businesses, apartment buildings and other commercial or institutional properties have an additional option to integrate selected cameras with MPD’s Real-Time Crime Center. According to MPD, participating organizations can choose which cameras are included, and integrated feeds are intended to provide law enforcement with real-time information during criminal incidents or emergencies.
CameraConnect DC was launched in April 2024 alongside MPD’s Real-Time Crime Center as part of an effort to make privately owned security footage easier for investigators to locate and request when incidents occur.
Residents, businesses and organizations interested in participating can learn more about the program and register their cameras through MPD.