'Connect San Marcos' voluntary security camera registry now open
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of San Marcos is launching a voluntary security camera registry program to assist the San Marcos Police Department in future investigations.
Connect San Marcos was created in partnership with Fusus by Axon, a real-time public safety company. Residents and businesses can register their security cameras for free within minutes.
The city hopes the partnership will grant police more timely access to video evidence needed in active investigations.
Similar programs have been launched in Kyle, Pflugerville, Georgetown and New Braunfels. The Austin Police Department began registering businesses' cameras in 2017.
“Video can be the difference between solving a case and it going cold,” said San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge. “This program speeds up the investigative process by letting us know where cameras are located without having to knock on every door.”
Registering cameras does not automatically give police direct access to the lenses.
Instead, a confidential, encrypted map of registered cameras will be accessible to investigators, who can contact the owner of the camera if an incident occurs nearby.
Footage can only be obtained by officers after a request is made to the owner of the camera and permission is granted.
Closer collaborations for businesses
Businesses also have the option to integrate their cameras with San Marcos PD.
With the purchase an installation of an Axon FususCORE device to their security camera systems, integration will allow businesses to share live video feeds with police during emergencies.
Business owners will retain control over which footage to share and when, and first responders will receive "real-time situational awareness" to improve response times.
Chief Standridge hopes Connect San Marcos will "empower residents and businesses to play an active role in protecting their neighborhoods," reiterating that "privacy, transparency, and community trust remain at the core of this initiative."