The Columbia Police Department (CPD) is inviting residents and local businesses to participate in the Columbia Safe Public Safety Program, an initiative designed to enhance neighborhood safety through voluntary camera registration and the optional purchase of Flock Safety cameras.
What is the Columbia Safe Public Safety Program?
The Columbia Safe program allows community members to assist law enforcement efforts by registering their existing security cameras with the CPD. Participants can also choose to install Flock license plate reader cameras that may help officers during investigations.
- Camera registration is voluntary and does not grant police direct access to live feeds or footage.
- Police simply register cameras in a database that helps officers know where cameras are located.
- If an incident occurs nearby, investigators may contact camera owners to request footage that could contain important evidence.
How It Works
- Register Existing Security Cameras. Provide the CPD with your camera’s location and contact information via a secure form. Police do not access footage unless you choose to share it when asked. This is simply a quick and easy way for CPD to determine if any cameras are located in areas where a crime has occurred.
- Install a Flock Safety Camera (Optional). Residents or businesses may purchase a Flock camera. With the owner’s permission, footage can be shared directly with law enforcement when necessary.
- Help Build a Safer Columbia. This collaborative effort strengthens public safety, promotes community trust, and can deter criminal activity in monitored areas.
Benefits of the Columbia Safe Camera Program
- Crime Deterrence. Visible security cameras and neighborhood awareness reduce the likelihood of criminal behavior.
- Faster Investigations. Police can more quickly locate potential evidence and contact camera owners after incidents.
- Community Engagement. Builds a stronger partnership between law enforcement and residents committed to keeping Columbia safe.
Register your security cameras now.
