Residents and business owners with security cameras can now register their exterior surveillance systems with the Salem Police Department’s new Surveillance Camera Registration & Mapping program. Known by its acronym, SCRAM, the program is a way for security camera owners to share their video recordings with police if a crime occurs at or near their location.
“With the increase in use of surveillance systems in communities all across the country, video evidence has frequently helped officers develop leads and close cases,” said Lieutenant Ben Bales of the Salem Police Support Division.
Interested owners can register online at www.cityofsalem.net/scram. Using the participant’s registration, locations are input into a mapping tool developed by the City of Salem Information Technology Department. Should an incident happen in the area of a registered security camera, the owner will be contacted by an officer to determine if their system captured any helpful video.
Participation in the program is voluntary, and at no time does the police department have direct access to a participant’s system.
“Your registration really just lets us know you’re willing to help,” Bales added. “Knowing the location of existing cameras will decrease an officer’s time in canvassing an area to ask about available cameras. It’s crucial time which can be used to develop other investigative leads.”
Concluded Bales, “We are always looking for ways to partner with the community to keep Salem safe and SCRAM is an easy way we can all work together.”
For more information or to receive a registration form by mail, contact the Salem Police Crime Analysis Unit at 503-540-2466.
Source: Salem Police