Community members can now connect their cameras to law enforcement to help fight crime

PINE HILLS, Fla. — Using private cameras to fight crime in Pine Hills, a new plan would link cameras on homes with the sheriff’s office.

Ryan Godfrey’s home camera caught a masked man shooting a gun in the air. A few blocks over, Chesly Cherizol wishes more cameras were on his street.

“The presence of cameras could play a huge role in in our community,” Cherizol said.  “To just bring awareness.”

▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

Channel 9 spoke to Pine Hills Community Council President Sandra Fatmi-hall. She said she has some concerns about safety in her community, especially after attacks at the bus stops.

“I feel as if individuals look up, see the cameras, and go this is not a good idea,” Fatmi-hall said.

Now, these neighbors feel they have a chance to be proactive in their community, by connecting with Orange County in a new partnership by registering private cameras with the sheriff’s office.

Read: Police shoot person at Ormond Beach park

“It’s about being active in your community and taking charge and helping us to come up with solutions that help to keep our communities safe,” Fatmi-hall said.  “So, it’s all of us working together.”

The plan allows law enforcement to know where cameras are located if a crime or critical incident happens.

It also makes it easier for investigators to contact camera owners for the footage.

Read: Raising Cane’s opens first Central Florida restaurant

The map of cameras would not be public, with only authorized members of the office having access.

“The police will be left with without a doubt,” Chesly said. “As far as who committed whatever it is.”

Read: Man arrested after setting fire at Kissimmee Salvation Army during break-in, police say

TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE

TO INTEGRATE, CLICK HERE

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group