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HELPING CATCH BAD GUYS
Manteca Police effort is partnership with those with surveillance cameras
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If you have a home or business with a security system that records video of your street you can help Manteca Police become more effective – and efficient — in chasing down criminals.
The Manteca Police Department with the help of the city’s Information & Technology staff has rolled out a Camera Registry Network.
Residents can register their surveillance cameras via the city’s secured website.
When a crime occurs officers can access a data base that will pop up information on where cameras may be located that will help them with their follow up investigations in a bid to find the responsible parties that commit crimes.
“It will save a lot of time and make what resources we have more effective,” said Police Chief Jodie Estarziau.
Officers now have to do a time consuming door-to-door canvas to try and locate people who may have video surveillance footage that may be of help. With the registry network they will be able to know where to go to make inquiries about whether the private video systems captured footage associated with the incident they are investigating. If any video evidence is found, the resident or business owner can make arrangements with the officer so they can retrieve the video.
The time it saves can be significant. That would allow possible faster conclusions to cases and free up officers and support personnel to tackle additional crime issues.
“This is another way we can build on our continuing partnership with the community to help make Manteca safer,” Estarziau said.
The registry is strictly on a volunteer basis. The Manteca Police Department will not have access to the video systems.
There are a few basic questions found on the registration form at www.ci.manteca.ca.us/Police/CRN. It includes basic contact information and nearest cross street.
There are 13 boxes to check or not regarding camera systems. They touch on specifications such as high definition or standard definition, color or black and white and what views cameras capture such as front, rear, side views or adjacent streets and parking areas.
“Video footage we have obtained from citizens have helped us solve crimes and are an important tool in the investigation process,” the chief said.
It is part of an ongoing effort by the department to work even closer with the community to solve and prevent crimes.
Estarziau noted that home security systems such as those tied to a smartphone app that alerts homeowners or business owners of suspicious activity when they are away have been used in the past to direct police officers to burglaries in progress that have ended with arrests.
While that is separate from the registry program, working with residents for them to put in place measures that make their homes safer is part of the department’s overall goals.
The following is a short Q&A about the Camera Registry Network:
uIs a high definition or certain camera system required to be part of the Camera Registry Network?
No, but the higher the resolution is better. High definition does provide a better quality video.
uWill the police department inspect my camera system?
No, the Manteca Police Department will not contact you unless your video cameras may have recorded something related to an incident they are investigating.
uHow long am I required to be part of the Camera Registry Network once I register?
There is no requirement to remain in the Camera Registry Network. You can choose to remove your information at any time.
uWho will have access to my information once I am registered?
Your information will remain confidential and only officers of the Manteca Police Department will have access.
As for tips about camera systems and where to place them, Manteca Police note the following:
uImportant Camera Features: IP is preferred over analog. Higher resolution yields better image. Thirty day storage is recommended. Consider lighting when placing cameras.
uCamera location and orientation, residential: At least one pointing toward the street. Front porch. Side gate. Rear door/yard.
uCamera location and orientation, business: All entrance/exit points. Front desk to include cashier positions as well as the corners of the building to help capture parking lots/driveways. Cameras at the rear of buildings will help capture loading area/parking lots. Consider lighting when placing cameras. Consider obstructions

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com