Businesses and residents are being asked to share the location of their security camera and allow city police to have a database of owners to call if they are looking for footage of a crime. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Camera registry

Calling all security cameras: Prince Albert starts community registry

Sep 19, 2024 | 5:00 PM

City of Prince Albert police along with the Community Safety and Well-Being Initiative run out of city hall are hoping that residences and business get behind a community camera registry.

Knowing where security cameras are in advance helps speed up investigations for officers, Chief Patrick Nogier explained recently. Many businesses were given a heads-up last week as Nogier was the guest speaker at a luncheon hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

“It could be theft from a motor vehicle. It could be vandalism to property, it could be something more serious, such as an aggravated assault. But we find that in centers that do have these registries up, the amount of time that it saves officers significant because you can quickly go to the registry,” he said.

The Battlefords area has had a camera registry running since 2023 and over 300 videos have been shared with the police since then.

About 450 cameras have been registered in both the Town and the city.

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Like the Battlefords, Prince Albert police will still need camera owners to share videos with them as needed and they cannot access footage at will.

The registry just lets them know where cameras are. The program is voluntary and people can opt out later if they want.

“I am asked many times what residents can do to make Prince Albert safer. This program is probably one of the best ways to get involved in Community Safety. It is a small action with significant consequences. Help protect your property, family, and community by registering your doorbell and outdoor security cameras with the Safe Neighbourhood Camera Registry,” said Anna Dinsdale, Community Safety and Well-Being Manager for the city.

Only local police are included in the consent to know the camera locations and willingness to share footage if asked.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com