Polson community members asked to join surveillance camera registration
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POLSON – The Polson Police Department is committed to a partnership with members and guests of our community that inspires confidence in all to make Polson a safe and pleasant place to live, work, learn and play.
Community policing is an organization-wide philosophy and management approach that promotes community, government and police partnerships, proactive problem solving and community engagement to address the causes of crime, fear of crime and other community issues, which is why we are asking members of Polson to participate in our new surveillance camera registration program.
Officers are committed to producing positive results that preserve peace and prevent crime and disorder. Officers conduct neighborhood canvasses in an effort to identify all the involved individuals in an incident and this often includes locating and collecting video surveillance footage.
“Videos are terrific evidence that aids in building criminal cases,” explained Sergeant George Simpson. “We are the first tier in the criminal justice system, and we place the utmost pride in presenting the prosecutors’ office with the best cases that we can. Video surveillance helps to strengthen our cases by aiding in the identification of individuals and perhaps even capturing the criminal act.”
The Polson Police Department is asking all businesses and citizens to register surveillance systems with the police department. “By register, we mean just let us know you have a camera at your address and how to get into contact with you,” Simpson said. “We are not asking to ‘tap into’ or ‘remotely use’ your system. We are only asking that you to let us know you have a camera, so if a crime occurs in or around your neighborhood, we make sure to speak with you in an effort to see if your cameras recorded anything useful to the investigation. We would like to continue strengthening our bond with the community we serve. Together, we can make a positive difference for Polson.”
The mission of the PPD is to earn the public’s trust, without exception, by contributing to the peaceful harmony of the community. “Your PPD has achieved its reputation as an outstanding department because community trust has been earned. We will continue to safeguard that trust. We will continue to operate in a manner that inspires respect and trust, and this surveillance camera registration program will be no different.”
Frequently Asked Questions -
Q: What information does the PPD need from me?
A: We need a contact name, phone number, email, address of business or residence and number of cameras.
Q: How much does it cost to register?
A: It is free.
Q: I don’t have an elaborate surveillance system. Can or should I register my Ring Doorbell?
A: Yes. We highly encourage everyone to register all cameras and Ring Doorbells are especially helpful.
Q: How do I register?
A: For your convenience there are a number of ways to register: go online to www.cityofpolson.com/police/webform/surveillance-camera-registration-form and complete the short online form. In person registration can be done at City Hall 106 1st Street E. Call to register at 406-883-8211 or call 406 883-7301 and an officer will come speak with you in person.
Q: What happens to my information when I register?
A: The information you provided during registration goes into a secured area within the PPD and will only be accessed by law enforcement personnel.
Q: How will the surveillance footage be used by the PPD?
A: When the PPD is investigating a crime in your area you will be contacted by an officer. That officer will make arrangements, at a time convenient for you, to sit down with you and review the footage. If the footage contains any video or images useful to the investigation the officer will ask for a copy for the case file.
Q: Do I have to participate? Is this mandatory if I own a camera?
A: Absolutely not. It is completely 100 percent voluntary and you can withdraw from the program at any time.
Q: Will the PPD be able to monitor what my camera sees?
A: Absolutely not. The PPD is not asking to tap into your surveillance system. We are not asking for your passwords or direct access to your system.
Q: Should I register cameras at my business?
A: Yes, please do.
