Mt. Pleasant Police launches new security camera database to speed investigations

A new security camera database which was launched by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) just one month ago has already seen impressive participation. As of June 9, 33 residents and a dozen businesses have volunteered to share their security camera footage with police, if needed, to assist in an investigation. 

“Currently, if an incident occurs, the MPPD contacts the surrounding residences or businesses to 1) see if they have a security camera and 2) if they would be willing to share footage of a specific timeframe to aid in the investigation,” MPPD public information officer, Dave Coffman, shares.

“Having a list of area security cameras already compiled would save valuable time in the investigation process,” he says. 

Courtesy Mt. Pleasant Police Department
When footage is needed to aid investigations (such as for evidence or be released to the public for suspect identification purposes), the MPPD will access the database and contact participants directly to gain access to their camera footage. 

The MPPD will only request footage from a specific date and time from participants. The program does not give the MPPD 24/7 access to cameras. Cameras are not monitored by the MPPD.

Individuals in the volunteer-based program may opt out at any time, notes the MPPD, expressing their appreciation for the public’s involvement in collecting vital information that will prove helpful in future investigations where time is of the essence. 

Those that are interested in joining the current 45 area participants can submit an authorization form online or reach out to (989) 779-5145 with any questions.