Stafford, VA. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is launching a new initiative that enables businesses and residents to help combat crime in their communities by participating in a voluntary program that gives law enforcement access to privately owned surveillance camera footage during crime incidents.

The Stafford County Operation Public Eye (S.C.O.P.E) program allows residents to register their home or business surveillance cameras with the department. When a crime occurs, the Sheriff’s Office will be able to quickly identify nearby cameras that may have captured criminal activity and enlist the assistance of citizens to help collect video evidence.

“We are asking for the community’s help,” said Stafford Sheriff David P. Decatur. “Video surveillance is an exceedingly effective tool for deterring crime and apprehending criminals. Through the S.C.O.P.E. program, residents can play a proactive role in keeping their neighborhoods safe.”

Registration does not enable law enforcement to view camera footage without permission. Law enforcement must request permission each time they want to view camera footage to assist with an investigation, and residents are free to accept or deny these requests.

Residents interested in registering their cameras can go to the following link: https://www.staffordsheriff.com/content/crime/Scope.cfm

The only information required is name, address, email address, and phone number. Citizens are contacted via phone or email when a crime in their area occurs and are asked to review their video surveillance system for video capturing a certain incident or suspect. If the citizen finds any video evidence, they can share it with the S.C.O.P.E. program to make arrangements for retrieval.

Information provided to the Sheriff’s Office regarding your camera systems will be for official use only. Your personal information will remain confidential and will not be distributed except as required by law or court order.