80 Fulton residents partake in community camera program

FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)

There have been 80 residents in Fulton to register cameras in the city's community camera program so far, according to the Fulton Police Department.

The program was announced in December and was implemented earlier this year. It allows local businesses and residents who own security camera systems to register their cameras with FPD.

Fulton Police Chief Bill Ladwig was inspired to implement the program after it was suggested to him by former Mayor and Police Chief Charlie Latham.

Latham said his own backyard camera was able to help the Callaway County Sheriff's Office with an arrest years ago.

"We got the guy that they were looking for come through our backyard camera. So, we were able to call them and they were able to arrest him on the street over from us," Latham said.

When a camera is registered, it goes into the police's database where, following a criminal incident, police will be able to know the locations of nearby registered cameras. According to the city's website, police do not have access to any registered camera footage unless the owner of the camera allows them to. Owners are also able to opt out of the program at any time.

Through the program, Fulton police hope to improve investigation methods and increase the amount of evidence in a case.

"We had a recent homicide and there was video from doorbell cameras that helped immensely.  I can't speak to the very specifics, but it was helpful to us and it really made a difference," Ladwig said.