Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry The City of Warren Police Department is in the process of starting a security camera registry. “We’re looking at using this as an investigative resource,” Chief Joe Sproveri said.

Often, police rely on the cooperation of the public in investigations.

Their eyes can’t be everywhere, but witnesses — including the electronic kind — are all over.

In order to help formalize some of that cooperation and hopefully speed up certain investigations, the City of Warren Police Department has initiated a security camera registry.

“We want to strengthen the relationship between the community and the department,” Sgt. Joe Bees said. “Willing participants who are private citizens or businesses can contact me and advise us of the presence of their security cameras.”

Those who have cameras and would be willing to potentially share information with city police are encouraged to sign up.

“The City of Warren Police Department is requesting and encouraging residents and businesses with security cameras, including doorbells with the same capabilities, to register their cameras with the department,” Bees said. “In doing so, our department can better focus resources when searching for security camera footage.”

“We’re looking at using this as an investigative resource,” Chief Joe Sproveri said. “We have had recent cases that the program would have been useful. It could save us days.”

Those who sign up will provide a name and phone number and some information about where the camera is located.

If police have a need for information about an incident in that area, they might contact that person from the registry instead of having to go door-to-door or otherwise find who has a camera that might have captured the desired information.

“The City of Warren Police Department is confident that this program will be beneficial to our community,” Bees said. “The program will assist with solving crimes, locating missing adults and children, along with many other investigations.”

“Registering your security cameras provides the department with the location of your cameras and a way to contact you to review them if necessary,” Bees said. “It does not give the department live access to your cameras or access to review previously recorded footage.”

If police want to look at some video, or have the property owner take a look for them, an officer would contact the person listed on the registry. “We would still have to receive permission,” Sproveri said.

“It’s strictly voluntary,” Bees said. Information from the registry will not be shared with the public.

“This program will help maintain a better community-policing relationship while creating a safer City of Warren,” Bees said.

Anyone who would like to register their cameras, or who would like to ask some questions before potentially registering, may contact Bees at (814) 723-2700 or jbees@police.cityofwarrenpa.gov.