Over 2,000 Charlotte Residents Strengthen Safety by Registering Security Cameras with CMPD Program

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department now tracks over 2,000 cameras through Connect Charlotte. This opt-in system allows residents and businesses to link their private surveillance equipment to a database that law enforcement taps when hunting suspects or investigating crimes.

The program launched early last year. Right now, 2,075 cameras sit in CMPD's registry. Another 1,363 business cameras have been "integrated," giving officers the ability to watch livestream footage.

Sgt. Ryan Buckler runs CMPD's real time crime center. He thinks the program will gain attention in coming months.

"There's no better info than having eyes on a situation," said Buckler, according to The Charlotte Observer.

Residents can register cameras at no cost using an online portal. Once registered, each camera appears on CMPD's map. When crimes occur near one of these devices, officers may contact the owner and request footage during their investigation.

Business owners who have compatible hardware can grant police access to livestream functions. CMPD has made clear that this permission is conditional — business owners choose which cameras officers can view. The department won't use residential cameras for livestreaming, even when owners volunteer.

"That's not what the program is, and we don't want to go down that path as an organization," he said.

Staff at the real time crime center can watch integrated cameras and relay information to officers at scenes. During a robbery, personnel might use livestream footage to spot a getaway vehicle and "get officers on that vehicle while also maintaining eyes on the scene, if we're able to," said Buckler. When someone calls 911 claiming a suspect has a gun, livestream footage can confirm or refute that detail so officers arrive prepared.

The technology has aided CMPD in narcotics cases and others. Law enforcement agencies using livestream camera technology have sparked debate in other cities, but reception in Charlotte has been positive.

CMPD says data collected through Connect Charlotte is encrypted. Camera registry information is protected non-public data. Only authorized personnel inside the department can view it.