Police ask public to register CCTV and doorbell cameras

Devon and Cornwall Police are asking businesses and residents to register their CCTV and doorbell cameras as part of a new system designed to speed up how officers collect digital evidence.

A New Way to Share Footage

The Force has introduced NiCE Investigate, a system already used by 24 police forces across the UK. It allows officers to manage digital media files in one secure place and request videos from businesses and communities across the region.

People can add the location of their recording devices to the community portal. When a crime happens, officers can check if any cameras are nearby and ask for footage by email.

Thousands Already Taking Part

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thorne said: “We hope this process of collecting digital media evidence will lead to faster results for victims of crime. Since we started using NiCE Investigate in the summer, we have successfully completed over 1,600 business requests and 12,000 citizen requests. That’s thousands of times that people have been able to submit their footage electronically instead of relying on CDs or USB drives.

“We’re asking businesses and residents to register their cameras and help protect their communities. Devon and Cornwall Police will not have access to your cameras and any footage provided is 100 per cent voluntary.”

How to Register

Anyone wanting to take part can find more information and sign up through the police website at the NiCE Investigate page.