About a month ago, Warren police initiated a security camera registry.

City residents who have security cameras should consider joining the registry.

Those who sign up for the registry will provide a name, phone number and some information about the camera’s location. Then if a crime happens in the area, police can contact the camera owner directly rather than going door-to-door asking city residents if they have information about incidents that arise.

Camera owners still have the option not to turn over video if they are contacted by police officers, and signing on to the registry does not give police live access to cameras ot access to review previously recorded footage.

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

There are many instances in which time is of the essence, particularly in missing persons or missing children cases, where easier access to security camera footage could help police pinpoint search locations quickly.

Joining the program also makes sense for many who have security cameras, since most people who implement security cameras are concerned about the safety of their home or business and likely want to see bad actors in our community charged and taken off the streets.