NEW BERLIN — The New Berlin Police Department is catching criminals through the help of the community and homeowners' personal surveillance systems. It's called the Community Camera Program.
Sgt. Daniel Hanlon said about 160 homeowners have registered their camera system. The information then lets officers know where to look for video film if a crime occurs.
"We can go right to knowing where the cameras are and go right to those houses and recover that video," Hanlon said.
The department only contacts the homeowner if a crime occurs nearby.
"What it comes down to is a virtual neighborhood watch that allows us to recover evidence," Hanlon said.
Bernie, a homeowner in New Berlin, participates in the program. He said it’s important for residents to invest in a surveillance system.
“It’s important to protect your property because everybody has a substantial investment in where they live," he said. "Anything we can do to help the police keep the neighborhood and community safe is a worthwhile effort."
Hanlon said the program is a partnership between the department and the community. Together they can help prevent and solve crimes quicker.
